Reminder dialog presentation and behavior

ABSTRACT

An intelligent television and methods for user interaction between the intelligent television and the user are provided. In general, a user is provided with navigation, notification, and setup options which enable one or more functions associated with the intelligent television. The presentation of options is based on input received by the intelligent television. As a user provides input to the intelligent television via a remote control or other input device, the intelligent television is configured to interpret the input and provide interactive functionality in the form of content presented to the display of the intelligent television.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefits of and priority, under 35U.S.C. §119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/684,672filed Aug. 17, 2012, “Smart TV”; 61/702,650 filed Sep. 18, 2012, “SmartTV”; 61/697,710 filed Sep. 6, 2012, “Social TV”; 61/700,182 filed Sep.12, 2012, “Social TV Roadmap”; 61/736,692 filed Dec. 13, 2012,“SmartTV”; 61/798,821 filed Mar. 15, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/804,942 filedMar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/804,998 filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”;61/804,971 filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/804,990 filed Mar. 25,2013, “SmartTV”; 61/805,003 filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/805,053filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/805,030 filed Mar. 25, 2013,“SmartTV”; 61/805,027 filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; 61/805,042 filedMar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV”; and 61/805,038 filed Mar. 25, 2013, “SmartTV.”Each of the aforementioned documents is incorporated herein by referencein their entirety for all that they teach and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Consolidation of device features or technological convergence is in anincreasing trend. Technological convergence describes the tendency fordifferent technological systems to evolve toward performing similartasks. As people use more devices, the need to carry those devices,charge those devices, update software on those devices, etc. becomesmore cumbersome. To compensate for these problems, technology companieshave been integrating features from different devices into one or twomulti-functional devices. For example, cellular phones are now capableof accessing the Internet, taking photographs, providing calendarfunctions, etc.

The consolidation trend is now affecting the design and functionality ofdevices generally used in the home. For example, audio receivers canaccess the Internet, digital video recorders can store or provide accessto digital photographs, etc. The television in home audio/video systemsremains a cornerstone device because the display function cannot beintegrated into other devices. As such, consolidating home devices leadsto integrating features and functionality into the television. Theemergence of the Smart Television (Smart TV) is evidence of the trend toconsolidate functionality into the television.

A Smart TV is generally conceived as a device that integrates access tothe Internet and Web 2.0 features into television sets. The Smart TVrepresents the trend of technological convergence between computers andtelevision sets. The Smart TV generally focuses on online interactivemedia, Internet TV, on-demand streaming media, and generally does notfocus on traditional broadcast media. Unfortunately, most Smart TVs haveyet to provide seamless and intuitive user interfaces for navigatingand/or executing the various features of the Smart TV. As such, thereare still issues with the consolidation of features and the presentationof these features in Smart TVs.

SUMMARY

There is a need for an Intelligent TV with intuitive user interfaces andwith seamless user interaction capability. These and other needs areaddressed by the various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations ofthe present disclosure. Also, while the disclosure is presented in termsof exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that individualaspects of the disclosure can be separately claimed.

In embodiments, a method is provided, comprising: presenting, via adisplay of an intelligent television (TV), TV content presented to afirst portion of the display; receiving a reminder presentation input atthe intelligent TV; selecting, via a processor associated with theintelligent TV and based at least partially on the reminder presentationinput received, a layout of a reminder presentation dialog; andpresenting the reminder presentation dialog in the selected layout to asecond portion of the display, wherein the second portion of the displayat least partially overlaps the first portion, and wherein the reminderpresentation dialog includes information relative to a specific program.

In another embodiment, a tangible, non-transitory computer readablemedium is provided having instructions stored thereon that, whenexecuted by a processor, perform the method comprising: presenting, viaa display of an intelligent television (TV), TV content presented to afirst portion of the display; receiving a reminder presentation input atthe intelligent TV; selecting, via a processor associated with theintelligent TV and based at least partially on the reminder presentationinput received, a layout of a reminder presentation dialog; andpresenting the reminder presentation dialog in the selected layout to asecond portion of the display, wherein the second portion of the displayat least partially overlaps the first portion, and wherein the reminderpresentation dialog includes information relative to a specific program.

In yet another embodiment, a system is provided, comprising: anintelligent television (TV) having a display and a tuner, wherein thetuner is configured to receive and convert broadcast content signals tobe displayed by the display; an input device associated with theintelligent TV; a memory; and a microprocessor operable to: present, viathe display of the intelligent TV, TV content presented to a firstportion of the display; receive a reminder presentation input at theintelligent TV; select, based at least partially on the reminderpresentation input received, a layout of a reminder presentation dialog;and present the reminder presentation dialog in the selected layout to asecond portion of the display, wherein the second portion of the displayat least partially overlaps the first portion, and wherein the reminderpresentation dialog includes information relative to a specific program.

The present disclosure can provide a number of advantages depending onthe particular aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Among otherthings, embodiments of the present disclosure allow a user to interfacewith live television content via a live TV application of an intelligentTV. More specifically, a user may be provided with navigation,notification, and/or setup options which are associated with or enableone or more functions of the intelligent TV.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-endedexpressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. Forexample, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at leastone of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B,or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. Assuch, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can beused interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms“comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers toany process or operation done without material human input when theprocess or operation is performed. However, a process or operation canbe automatic, even though performance of the process or operation usesmaterial or immaterial human input, if the input is received beforeperformance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to bematerial if such input influences how the process or operation will beperformed. Human input that consents to the performance of the processor operation is not deemed to be “material.”

A “blog” (a blend of the term web log) is a type of website or part of awebsite supposed to be updated with new content from time to time. Blogsare usually maintained by an individual with regular entries ofcommentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphicsor video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order.

A “blogging service” is a blog-publishing service that allows private ormulti-user blogs with time-stamped entries.

The term “cable TV” refers to a system of distributing televisionprograms to subscribers via radio frequency (RF) signals transmittedthrough coaxial cables or light pulses through fiber-optic cables. Thiscontrasts with traditional broadcast television (terrestrial television)in which the television signal is transmitted over the air by radiowaves and received by a television antenna attached to the television.

The term “channel” or “television channel,” as used herein, can be aphysical or virtual channel over which a television station ortelevision network is distributed. A physical cannel in analogtelevision can be an amount of bandwidth, typically 6, 7, or 8 MHz, thatoccupies a predetermine channel frequency. A virtual channel is arepresentation, in cable or satellite television, of a data stream for aparticular television media provider (e.g., CDS, TNT, HBO, etc.).

The term “computer-readable medium,” as used herein, refers to anytangible storage and/or transmission medium that participate inproviding instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium maytake many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media,volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, forexample, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media includesdynamic memory, such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readablemedia include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk,magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, aCD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any otherphysical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, aFLASH-EPROM, a solid state medium like a memory card, any other memorychip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any othermedium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment toe-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives isconsidered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storagemedium. When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, itis to be understood that the database may be any type of database, suchas relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storagemedium or distribution medium and prior art-recognized equivalents andsuccessor media, in which the software implementations of the presentdisclosure are stored.

The term “enhanced television” (ETV) refers to a collection ofspecifications developed under the OpenCable project of CableLabs (CableTelevision Laboratories, Inc.) that define an ETV Application consistingof resources (files) adhering to the Enhanced TV Binary InterchangeFormat (EBIF) content format as well as PNG images, JPEG images, and PFRdownloadable fonts. An ETV application is normally delivered through anMPEG transport stream and accompanies an MPEG program containing videoand audio elementary streams. An “ETV Application” is a collection ofresources (files) that include one or more EBIF resources that representviewable information in the form of pages. Two forms of a given ETVApplication may be distinguished: (1) an interchange form and (2) anexecution form. The interchange form of an ETV Application consists ofthe resources (files) that represent the compiled application prior toits actual execution by an ETV User Agent. The execution form of an ETVApplication consists of the stored, and possibly mutated forms of theseresources while being decoded, presented, and executed by an ETV UserAgent. An “ETV User Agent” is a software component that operates on aset-top box, a television, or any other computing environment capable ofreceiving, decoding, presenting, and processing an ETV Application. Thiscomponent usually provides, along with its host hardware environment,one or more mechanisms for an end-user to navigate and interact with themultimedia content represented by ETV Applications.

The term “high-definition television” (HDTV) provides a resolution thatis substantially higher than that of standard-definition television.HDTV may be transmitted in various formats, namely 1080p-1920×1080p:2,073,600 pixels (approximately 2.1 megapixels) per frame, 1080i (whichis typically either 1920×1080i: 1,036,800 pixels (approximately 1megapixel) per field or 2,073,600 pixels (approximately 2.1 megapixels)per frame or 1440×1080i:[1] 777,600 pixels (approximately 0.8megapixels) per field or 1,555,200 pixels (approximately 1.6 megapixels)per frame), or 720p-1280×720p: 921,600 pixels (approximately 0.9megapixels) per frame. As will be appreciated, “frame size” in pixels isdefined as number of horizontal pixels×number of vertical pixels, forexample 1280×720 or 1920×1080. Often the number of horizontal pixels isimplied from context and is omitted, as in the case of 720p and 1080p,“scanning system” is identified with the letter “p” for progressivescanning or “i” for interlaced scanning, and “frame rate” is identifiedas number of video frames per second. For interlaced systems analternative form of specifying number of fields per second is oftenused. For purposes of this disclosure, “high-definition television” isdeemed to include other high-definition analog or digital video formats,including ultra high definition television.

The term “internet television” (otherwise known as Internet TV, OnlineTelevision, or Online TV) is the digital distribution of televisioncontent via the Internet. It should not be confused with Webtelevision—short programs or videos created by a wide variety ofcompanies and individuals, or Internet protocol television (IPTV)—anemerging internet technology standard for use by televisionbroadcasters. Internet Television is a general term that covers thedelivery of television shows and other video content over the internetby video streaming technology, typically by major traditional televisionbroadcasters. It does not describe a technology used to deliver content(see Internet protocol television). Internet television has become verypopular through services such as RTÉ, Player in Ireland; BBC iPlayer,4oD, ITV Player (also STV Player and UTV Player) and Demand Five in theUnited Kingdom; Hulu in the United States; Nederland 24 in theNetherlands; ABC iview and Australia Live TV in Australia; Tivibu inTurkey; and iWanTV! in the Philippines.

The term “internet protocol television” (IPTV) refers to a systemthrough which television services are delivered using the Internetprotocol suite over a packet-switched network such as the Internet,instead of being delivered through traditional terrestrial, satellitesignal, and cable television formats. IPTV services may be classifiedinto three main groups, namely live television, with or withoutinteractivity related to the current TV show; time-shifted television:catch-up TV (replays a TV show that was broadcast hours or days ago),start-over TV (replays the current TV show from its beginning); andvideo on demand (VOD): browse a catalog of videos, not related to TVprogramming. IPTV is distinguished from Internet television by itson-going standardization process (e.g., European TelecommunicationsStandards Institute) and preferential deployment scenarios insubscriber-based telecommunications networks with high-speed accesschannels into end-user premises via set-top boxes or othercustomer-premises equipment.

The term “silo,” as used herein, can be a logical representation of aninput, source, or application. An input can be a device or devices(e.g., DVD, VCR, etc.) electrically connected to the television througha port (e.g., HDMI, video/audio inputs, etc.) or through a network(e.g., LAN WAN, etc.). Rather than a device or devices, the input couldbe configured as an electrical or physical connection to one or moredevices. A source, particularly a content source, can be a data servicethat provides content (e.g., a media center, a file system, etc.). Anapplication can be a software service that provides a particular type offunction (e.g., Live TV, Video on Demand, User Applications, photographdisplay, etc.). The silo, as a logical representation, can have anassociated definition or property, such as a setting, feature, or othercharacteristic.

The term “panel,” as used herein, can mean a user interface displayed inat least a portion of the display. The panel may be interactive (e.g.,accepts user input) or informational (e.g., does not accept user input).A panel may be translucent whereby the panel obscures but does not maskthe underlying content being displayed in the display. Panels may beprovided in response to a user input from a button or remote controlinterface.

The term “screen,” as used herein, refers to a physical structure thatincludes one or more hardware components that provide the device withthe ability to render a user interface and/or receive user input. Ascreen can encompass any combination of gesture capture region, a touchsensitive display, and/or a configurable area. The device can have oneor more physical screens embedded in the hardware. However a screen mayalso include an external peripheral device that may be attached anddetached from the device. In embodiments, multiple external devices maybe attached to the device. For example, another screen may be includedwith a remote control unit that interfaces with the Intelligent TV.

The term “media” of “multimedia,” as used herein, refers to content thatmay assume one of a combination of different content forms. Multimediacan include one or more of, but is not limited to, text, audio, stillimages, animation, video, or interactivity content forms.

The term “Intelligent TV,” as used herein, refers to a televisionconfigured to provide one or more intuitive user interfaces andinteractions based on a unique application platform and architecture.The Intelligent TV utilizes processing resources associated with thetelevision to integrate Internet connectivity with parallel applicationfunctionality. This integration allows a user the ability to intuitivelyaccess various sources of media and content (e.g., Internet,over-the-top content, on-demand streaming media, over-the-air broadcastmedia, and/or other forms of information) via the Intelligent TV in aquick and efficient manner. Although the Intelligent TV disclosed hereinmay comprise one or more components of a “smart TV,” it is an aspect ofthe Intelligent TV to provide expanded intuitive user interactioncapability for navigating and executing the various features of thetelevision. A “smart TV,” sometimes referred to as a connected TV, orhybrid TV (not to be confused with IPTV, Internet TV, or with Web TV),describes a trend of integration of the Internet and Web 2.0 featuresinto television sets and set-top boxes, as well as the technologicalconvergence between computers and these television sets/set-top boxes.The smart TV devices have a higher focus on online interactive media,Internet TV, over-the-top content, as well as on-demand streaming media,and less focus on traditional broadcast media than traditionaltelevision sets and set-top boxes. As can be appreciated, theIntelligent TV encompasses a broader range of technology than that ofthe smart TV defined above.

The term “television” is a telecommunication medium, device (or set) orset of associated devices, programming, and/or transmission fortransmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome(black-and-white) or colored, with or without accompanying sound.Different countries use one of the three main video standards for TVs,namely PAL, NTSC or SECAM. Television is most commonly used fordisplaying broadcast television signals. The broadcast television systemis typically disseminated via radio transmissions on designated channelsin the 54-890 MHz frequency band. A common television set comprisesmultiple internal electronic circuits, including those for receiving anddecoding broadcast signals. A visual display device which lacks a tuneris properly called a video monitor, rather than a television. Atelevision may be different from other monitors or displays based on thedistance maintained between the user and the television when the userwatches the media and based on the inclusion of a tuner or otherelectronic circuit to receive the broadcast television signal.

The term “Live TV,” as used herein, refers to a television productionbroadcast in real-time, as events happen, in the present.

The term “standard-definition television” (SDTV) is a television systemthat uses a resolution that is not considered to be eitherhigh-definition television (HDTV 720p and 1080p) or enhanced-definitiontelevision (EDTV 480p). The two common SDTV signal types are 576i, with576 interlaced lines of resolution, derived from the European-developedPAL and SECAM systems; and 480i based on the American NationalTelevision System Committee NTSC system. In the US, digital SDTV isbroadcast in the same 4:3 aspect ratio as NTSC signals. However, inother parts of the world that used the PAL or SECAM analog standards,standard-definition television is now usually shown with a 16:9 aspectratio. Standards that support digital SDTV broadcast include DVB, ATSCand ISDB. Television signals are transmitted in digital form, and theirpixels have a rectangular shape, as opposed to square pixels that areused in modern computer monitors and modern implementations of HDTV. Thetable below summarizes pixel aspect ratios for various kinds of SDTVvideo signal. Note that the actual image (be it 4:3 or 16:9) is alwayscontained in the center 704 horizontal pixels of the digital frame,regardless of how many horizontal pixels (704 or 720) are used. In caseof digital video signal having 720 horizontal pixels, only the center704 pixels contain actual 4:3 or 16:9 image, and the 8 pixel widestripes from either side are called nominal analogue blanking and shouldbe discarded before displaying the image. Nominal analogue blankingshould not be confused with overscan, as overscan areas are part of theactual 4:3 or 16:9 image.

The term “video on demand (VOD),” as used herein, refers to systems andprocesses which allow users to select and watch/listen to video or audiocontent on demand. VOD systems may stream content, to view the contentin real time, or download the content to a storage medium for viewing ata later time.

The term “satellite positioning system receiver” refers to a wirelessreceiver or transceiver to receive and/or send location signals fromand/or to a satellite positioning system, such as the Global PositioningSystem (“GPS”) (US), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo positioning system (EU),Compass navigation system (China), and Regional Navigational SatelliteSystem (India).

The term “display,” as used herein, refers to at least a portion of ascreen used to display the output of the television to a user. A displaymay be a single-screen display or a multi-screen display, referred to asa composite display. A composite display can encompass the touchsensitive display of one or more screens. A single physical screen caninclude multiple displays that are managed as separate logical displays.Thus, different content can be displayed on the separate displaysalthough part of the same physical screen.

The term “displayed image,” as used herein, refers to an image producedon the display. A typical displayed image is a television broadcast ormenu. The displayed image may occupy all or a portion of the display.

The term “display orientation,” as used herein, refers to the way inwhich a rectangular display is oriented by a user for viewing. The twomost common types of display orientation are portrait and landscape. Inlandscape mode, the display is oriented such that the width of thedisplay is greater than the height of the display (such as a 4:3 ratio,which is 4 units wide and 3 units tall, or a 16:9 ratio, which is 16units wide and 9 units tall). Stated differently, the longer dimensionof the display is oriented substantially horizontal in landscape modewhile the shorter dimension of the display is oriented substantiallyvertical. In the portrait mode, by contrast, the display is orientedsuch that the width of the display is less than the height of thedisplay. Stated differently, the shorter dimension of the display isoriented substantially horizontal in the portrait mode while the longerdimension of the display is oriented substantially vertical.

The term “module,” as used herein, refers to any known or laterdeveloped hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzylogic, or combination of hardware and software that is capable ofperforming the functionality associated with that element.

The terms “determine,” “calculate” and “compute,” and variationsthereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any typeof methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

The term “touch screen” or “touchscreen” refer to screen that canreceive user contact or other tactile input, such as a stylus. The touchscreen may sense user contact in a number of different ways, such as bya change in an electrical parameter (e.g., resistance or capacitance),acoustic wave variations, infrared radiation proximity detection, lightvariation detection, and the like. In a resistive touch screen, forexample, normally separated conductive and resistive metallic layers inthe screen pass an electrical current. When a user touches the screen,the two layers make contact in the contacted location, whereby a changein electrical field is noted and the coordinates of the contactedlocation calculated. In a capacitive touch screen, a capacitive layerstores electrical charge, which is discharged to the user upon contactwith the touch screen, causing a decrease in the charge of thecapacitive layer. The decrease is measured, and the contacted locationcoordinates determined. In a surface acoustic wave touch screen, anacoustic wave is transmitted through the screen, and the acoustic waveis disturbed by user contact. A receiving transducer detects the usercontact instance and determines the contacted location coordinates.

The term “web television” is original television content produced forbroadcast via the World Wide Web. Some major distributors of webtelevision are YouTube, Myspace, Newgrounds, Blip.tv, and Crackle.

The terms “instant message” and “instant messaging” refer to a form ofreal-time text communication between two or more people, typically basedon typed text.

The term “internet search engine” refers to a web search engine designedto search for information on the World Wide Web and FTP servers. Thesearch results are generally presented in a list of results oftenreferred to as SERPS, or “search engine results pages.” The informationmay consist of web pages, images, information and other types of files.Some search engines also mine data available in databases or opendirectories. Web search engines work by storing information about manyweb pages, which they retrieve from the html itself. These pages areretrieved by a Web crawler (sometimes also known as a spider)—anautomated Web browser which follows every link on the site. The contentsof each page are then analyzed to determine how it should be indexed(for example, words are extracted from the titles, headings, or specialfields called meta tags). Data about web pages are stored in an indexdatabase for use in later queries. Some search engines, such as Google™,store all or part of the source page (referred to as a cache) as well asinformation about the web pages, whereas others, such as AltaVista™,store every word of every page they find.

The terms “online community”, “e-community”, or “virtual community” meana group of people that primarily interact via a computer network, ratherthan face to face, for social, professional, educational or otherpurposes. The interaction can use a variety of media formats, includingwikis, blogs, chat rooms, Internet forums, instant messaging, email, andother forms of electronic media. Many media formats are used in socialsoftware separately or in combination, including text-based chatroomsand forums that use voice, video text or avatars.

The term “remote control” refers to a component of an electronicsdevice, most commonly a television set, DVD player and/or home theatersystem for operating the device wirelessly, typically from a shortline-of-sight distance. Remote control normally uses infrared and/orradio frequency (RF) signaling and can include WiFi, wireless USB,Bluetooth™ connectivity, motion sensor enabled capabilities and/or voicecontrol. A touchscreen remote control is a handheld remote controldevice which uses a touchscreen user interface to replace most of thehard, built-in physical buttons used in normal remote control devices.

The term “satellite TV” refers to television programming delivered bythe means of communications satellites and received by an outdoorantenna, usually a parabolic reflector generally referred to as asatellite dish, and as far as household usage is concerned, a satellitereceiver either in the form of an external set-top box or a satellitetuner module built into a TV set.

The term “social network service” is a service provider that buildsonline communities of people, who share interests and/or activities, orwho are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others.Most social network services are web-based and provide a variety of waysfor users to interact, such as e-mail and instant messaging services.

The term “social network” refers to a web-based social network.

The term “gesture” refers to a user action that expresses an intendedidea, action, meaning, result, and/or outcome. The user action caninclude manipulating a device (e.g., opening or closing a device,changing a device orientation, moving a trackball or wheel, etc.),movement of a body part in relation to the device, movement of animplement or tool in relation to the device, audio inputs, etc. Agesture may be made on a device (such as on the screen) or with thedevice to interact with the device.

The term “gesture capture” refers to a sense or otherwise a detection ofan instance and/or type of user gesture. The gesture capture can occurin one or more areas of the screen, A gesture region can be on thedisplay, where it may be referred to as a touch sensitive display or offthe display where it may be referred to as a gesture capture area.

The term “electronic address” refers to any contactable address,including a telephone number, instant message handle, e-mail address,Universal Resource Locator (URL), Universal Resource Identifier (URI),Address of Record (AOR), electronic alias in a database, like addresses,and combinations thereof.

It shall be understood that the term “means,” as used herein, shall begiven its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C.,Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means”shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and allof the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or actsand the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in thesummary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detaileddescription, abstract, and claims themselves.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide anunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neitheran extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its variousaspects, embodiments, and/or configurations. It is intended neither toidentify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate thescope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of thedisclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detaileddescription presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects,embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure are possibleutilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features setforth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A includes a first view of an embodiment of an environment of anintelligent television;

FIG. 1B includes a second view of an embodiment of an environment of anintelligent television;

FIG. 2A includes a first view of an embodiment of an intelligenttelevision;

FIG. 2B includes a second view of an embodiment of an intelligenttelevision;

FIG. 2C includes a third view of an embodiment of an intelligenttelevision;

FIG. 2D includes a fourth view of an embodiment of an intelligenttelevision;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the hardware of anintelligent television;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the intelligent televisionsoftware and/or firmware;

FIG. 5 is a second block diagram of an embodiment of the intelligenttelevision software and/or firmware;

FIG. 6 is a third block diagram of an embodiment of the intelligenttelevision software and/or firmware;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of a handheld remote control;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a remote control;

FIG. 9A is a bottom view of an embodiment of a remote control with ajoystick in a neutral position;

FIG. 9B is a bottom view of an embodiment of a remote control with thejoystick in a lower position;

FIG. 9C is a bottom view of an embodiment of a remote control with thejoystick in an upper position;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of a handheld remotecontrol;

FIG. 11A is a front view of an embodiment of an Intelligent TV screen;

FIG. 11B is a front view of an embodiment of an Intelligent TV screen;

FIG. 11C is a front view of an embodiment of an Intelligent TV screen;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a handheld remote controlof either FIG. 7 or 10;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a content data service;

FIG. 14 is a visual representation of a user interface that is presentedto an Intelligent TV when a live TV application is in a first timeexperience state in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram depicting a first time experience setup methodin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16A is a block diagram of a first embodiment of an Intelligent TVdialog presentation;

FIG. 16B is a block diagram of a second embodiment of an Intelligent TVdialog presentation;

FIG. 16C is a block diagram of a third embodiment of an Intelligent TVdialog presentation;

FIG. 16D is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of an Intelligent TVdialog presentation;

FIG. 16E is a block diagram of a dialog presented to the display of anIntelligent TV in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram depicting a dialog presentation method inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a first panel view of an Intelligent TV inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a second panel view of an Intelligent TVin accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 20 depicts a first embodiment of an information panel presented viaan application panel of an Intelligent TV;

FIG. 21 depicts a second embodiment of an information panel presentedvia an application panel of an Intelligent TV;

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram depicting an information panel presentationmethod in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23A depicts a first embodiment of an electronic programming guidepresented via an application panel of an Intelligent TV;

FIG. 23B depicts a second embodiment of an electronic programming guidepresented via an application panel of an Intelligent TV;

FIG. 24A depicts a first embodiment of an electronic programming guideand preview window presented via an application panel of an IntelligentTV;

FIG. 24B depicts a second embodiment of an electronic programming guideand preview window presented via an application panel of an IntelligentTV;

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram depicting an electronic program guidepresentation method in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram depicting an electronic program guide andpreview window presentation method in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 27 depicts an embodiment of a compact electronic programming guidepresented via an application panel of an Intelligent TV;

FIG. 28A depicts a first embodiment of a reminder dialog presentation inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28B depicts a second embodiment of a reminder dialog presentationin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29A depicts a first embodiment of a reminder dialog notification inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29B depicts a second embodiment of a reminder dialog notificationin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29C depicts a third embodiment of a reminder dialog notification inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29D depicts a fourth embodiment of a reminder dialog notificationin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 depicts a grouped content panel presented via an applicationpanel of an Intelligent TV;

FIG. 31A depicts a first embodiment of a preferred content dialogpresentation in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31B depicts a second embodiment of a preferred content dialogpresentation in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram depicting a reminder presentation method inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram depicting a preferred content reminderpresentation method in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 34 is a flow diagram depicting an input-based user tracking methodin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is a fourth block diagram of an embodiment of the intelligenttelevision software and/or firmware; and

FIG. 36 is a flow diagram depicting a live TV presentation method inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have thesame reference label. Further, various components of the same type maybe distinguished by following the reference label by a letter thatdistinguishes among the similar components. If only the first referencelabel is used in the specification, the description is applicable to anyone of the similar components having the same first reference labelirrespective of the second reference label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Presented herein are embodiments of a device. The device can be anetwork-enabled telecommunications device, such as a television, anelectronic visual display device, or other smart device. The device caninclude one or more screens, or sections of a screen, that areconfigured to receive and present information from a number of sources.Further, the device can receive user input in unique ways. The overalldesign and functionality of the device provides for an enhanced userexperience making the device more useful and more efficient.

Intelligent Television (TV) Environment:

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an Intelligent TV, or device, 100 isshown. It is anticipated that the Intelligent TV 100 may be used forentertainment, business applications, social interaction, contentcreation and/or consumption, and to organize and control one or moreother devices that are in communication with the Intelligent TV 100. Ascan be appreciated, the Intelligent TV 100 can be used to enhance theuser interactive experience whether at home or at work.

In some embodiments, the Intelligent TV 100 may be configured to receiveand understand a variety of user and/or device inputs. For example, auser may interface with the Intelligent TV 100 via one or more physicalor electrical controls, such as buttons, switches, touch sensitivescreens/regions (e.g., capacitive touch, resistive touch, etc.), and/orother controls associated with the Intelligent TV 100. In some cases,the Intelligent TV 100 may include the one or more interactive controls.Additionally or alternatively, the one or more controls may beassociated with a remote control. The remote control may communicatewith the Intelligent TV 100 via wired and/or wireless signals. As can beappreciated, the remote control may operate via radio frequency (RF),infrared (IR), and/or a specific wireless communications protocol (e.g.,Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi, etc.). In some cases, the controls, whether physicalor electrical, may be configured (e.g., programmed) to suit a user'spreferences.

Additionally or alternatively, smart phones, tablets, computers,laptops, netbooks, and other smart devices may be used to control theIntelligent TV 100. For example, control of the Intelligent TV 100 maybe achieved via an application running on a smart device. Theapplication may be configured to present a user with various IntelligentTV 100 controls in an intuitive user interface (UI) on a screenassociated with the device 100. The screen may be a touch sensitive, ortouch screen, display. Selections input by a user via the UI may beconfigured to control the Intelligent TV 100 by the applicationaccessing one or more communication features associated with the smartdevice.

It is anticipated that the Intelligent TV 100 can receive input viavarious input devices including, but in no way limited to, video, audio,radio, light, tactile, and combinations thereof. Among other things,these input devices may be configured to allow the Intelligent TV 100 tosee, recognize, and react to user gestures. For instance, a user maytalk to the Intelligent TV 100 in a conversational manner. TheIntelligent TV 100 may hear and understand voice commands in a mannersimilar to a smart device's intelligent personal assistant andvoice-controlled navigator application (e.g., Apple's Siri, Android'sSkyvi, Robin, Iris, and other applications).

The Intelligent TV 100 may also be a communications device which canestablish network connections 104 through many alternate means,including wired 108 or wireless 112 means, over cellular networks 116 toconnect via cellular base antenna 142 to telephone networks operated bytelephone company 146, and by using a telephone line 120 to connect totelephone networks operated by telephone company 146. These connections104 enable the Intelligent TV 100 to access one or more communicationnetworks 132. The communication networks 132 may comprise any type ofknown communication medium or collection of communication media and mayuse any type of protocols to transport messages or signals betweenendpoints. The communication networks may include wired and/or wirelesscommunication technologies. The Internet is an example of acommunication network 132 that constitutes an Internet Protocol (IP)network consisting of many computers, computing networks, and othercommunication devices located all over the world, which are connectedthrough many telephone systems and other means.

Other examples of the communication network 132 include, withoutlimitation, a standard Plain Old Telephone System (POTS), an IntegratedServices Digital Network (ISDN), the Public Switched Telephone Network(PSTN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), acellular network, and any other type of packet-switched orcircuit-switched network known in the art. In addition, it can beappreciated that the communication network 132 need not be limited toany one network type, and instead may be comprised of a number ofdifferent networks and/or network types.

In some embodiments, the Intelligent TV 100 may be equipped withmultiple communication means. The multiple communication means may allowthe Intelligent TV 100 to communicate across Local Area Networks (LANs)124, wireless local area networks (WLANs) 128, and other networks 132.The networks 132 may be connected in a redundant manner to ensurenetwork access. In other words, if one connection is interrupted, theIntelligent TV 100 can use an alternate communications path toreestablish and/or maintain the network connection 104. Among otherthings, the Intelligent TV 100 may use these network connections 104 tosend and receive information, interact with an electronic program guide(EPG) 136, receive software updates 140, contact customer service 144(e.g., to receive help or service, etc.), and/or access remotely storeddigital media libraries 148. In addition, these connections can allowthe Intelligent TV 100 to make phone calls, send and/or receive emailmessages, send and/or receive text messages (such as email and instantmessages), surf the Internet using an internet search engine, post blogsby a blogging service, and connect/interact with social media sitesand/or an online community (e.g., Facebook™ Twitter™, LinkedIn™,Pinterest™, Google+™, MySpace™, and the like) maintained by a socialnetwork service. In combination with other components of the IntelligentTV 100 described in more detail below, these network connections 104also enable the Intelligent TV 100 to conduct video teleconferences,electronic meetings, and other communications. The Intelligent TV 100may capture and store images and sound, using associated cameras,microphones, and other sensors. Additionally or alternatively, theintelligent TV 100 may create and save screen shots of media, images,and data displayed on a screen associated with the Intelligent TV 100.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the Intelligent TV 100 can interact withother electronic devices 168 by either by the wired 108 and/or wireless112 connections. As described herein, components of the Intelligent TV100 allow the device 100 to be connected to devices 168 including, butnot limited to, DVD players 168 a, BluRay players 168 b, portabledigital media devices 168 c, smart phones 168 d, tablet devices 168 e,personal computers 168 f, external cable boxes 168 g, keyboards 168 h,pointing devices 168 i, printers 168 j, game controllers and/or gamepads 168 k, satellite dishes 1681, external display devices 168 m, andother universal serial bus (USB), local area network (LAN), Bluetooth™,or high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) compliant devices, and/orwireless devices. When connected to an external cable box 168 g orsatellite dish 1681, the Intelligent TV 100 can access additional mediacontent. Also, as further described below, the Intelligent TV 100 iscapable of receiving digital and/or analog signals broadcast by TVstations. The Intelligent TV 100 can be configured as one or more of astandard-definition television, enhanced television, and high-definitiontelevision. It may operate as one or more of cable, Internet, InternetProtocol, satellite, web, and/or smart television. The Intelligent TV100 may also be used to control the operation of, and may interfacewith, other smart components such as security systems 172, door/gatecontrollers 176, remote video cameras 180, lighting systems 184,thermostats 188, refrigerators 192, and other appliances.

Intelligent TV:

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate components of the Intelligent TV 100. In general,as shown by FIG. 2A, the Intelligent TV 100 can be supported by aremovable base or stand 204 that is attached to a frame 208. The frame208 surrounds edges of a display screen 212, leaving a front surface ofthe display screen 212 uncovered. The display screen 212 may comprise aLiquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, a plasma screen, Light EmittingDiode (LED) screen, or other screen types. In embodiments, the entirefront surface of the screen 212 may be touch sensitive and capable ofreceiving input by the user touching the front surface of the screen212.

The Intelligent TV 100 may include integrated speakers 216 and at leastone microphone 220. A first area of the frame 208 may comprise ahorizontal gesture capture region 224 and second areas comprise verticalgesture capture regions 228. The gesture capture regions 224, 228 maycomprise areas or regions that are capable of receiving input byrecognizing gestures made by the user, and in some examples, without theneed for the user to actually touch the screen 212 surface of theIntelligent TV 100. However, the gesture capture regions 224, 228 maynot include pixels that can perform a display function or capability.

One or more image capture devices 232, such as a camera, can be includedfor capturing still and/or video images. The image capture device 232can include or be associated with additional elements, such as a flashor other light source 236 and a range finding device 240 to assistfocusing of the image capture device. In addition, the microphone 220,gesture capture regions 224, 228, image capture devices 232, and therange finding device 240 may be used by the Intelligent TV 100 torecognize individual users. Additionally or alternatively, theIntelligent TV 100 may learn and remember preferences associated withthe individual users. In some embodiments, the learning and remembering(i.e., identifying and recalling stored information) may be associatedwith the recognition of a user.

An IR transmitter and receiver 244 may also be provided to connect theIntelligent TV 100 with a remote control device (not shown) or other IRdevices. Additionally or alternatively, the remote control device maytransmit wireless signals via RF, light, and/or a means other than IR.Also shown in FIG. 2A is an audio jack 248, which may be hidden behind apanel that is hinged or removable. The audio jack 248 accommodates atip, ring, sleeve (TRS) connector, for example, to allow the user toutilize headphones, a headset, or other external audio equipment.

The Intelligent TV 100 can also include a number of buttons 252. Forexample, FIG. 2A illustrates the buttons 252 on the top of theIntelligent TV 100, although the buttons could be placed at otherlocations. As shown, the Intelligent TV 100 includes six buttons 252a-f, which can be configured for specific inputs. For example, the firstbutton 252 a may be configured as an on/off button used to controloverall system power to the Intelligent TV 100. The buttons 252 may beconfigured to, in combination or alone, control a number of aspects ofthe Intelligent TV 100. Some non-limiting examples include, but are notlimited to, overall system volume, brightness, the image capture device,the microphone, and initiation/termination of a video conference.Instead of separate buttons, two of the buttons may be combined into arocker button. This rocker button arrangement may be useful insituations where the buttons are configured to control features such asvolume or brightness. In some embodiments, one or more of the buttons252 are capable of supporting different user commands. By way ofexample, a normal press has a duration commonly of less than about 1second and resembles a quick input. A medium press has a durationcommonly of 1 second or more but less than about 12 seconds. A longpress has a duration commonly of about 12 seconds or more. The functionof the buttons is normally specific to the application that is active onthe Intelligent TV 100. In the video conference application for instanceand depending on the particular button, a normal, medium, or long presscan mean end the video conference, increase or decrease the volume,increase a rate speed associated with a response to an input, and togglemicrophone mute. Depending on the particular button, a normal, medium,or long press can also control the image capture device 232 to increasezoom, decrease zoom, take a photograph, or record video.

In support of communications functions or capabilities, the IntelligentTV 100 can include one or more shared or dedicated antennae 256 andwired broadband connections 260 as shown in FIG. 2B. The antennae 256also enable the Intelligent TV 100 to receive digital and/or analogbroadcast TV channels. The wired broadband connections 260 are, forexample, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), an optical line, an Ethernetport, an IEEE 1394 interface, or other interfaces. The Intelligent TV100 also has a telephone line jack 262 to further provide communicationscapability.

In addition to the removable base 204, the Intelligent TV 100 mayinclude hardware and mounting points 264 on a rear surface to facilitatemounting the Intelligent TV 100 to a surface, such as a wall. In oneexample, the Intelligent TV 100 may incorporate at least one VideoEquipment Standards Association (VESA) mounting interface for attachingthe device 100 to the surface.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the Intelligent TV 100 may include dockinginterfaces or ports 268. The docking ports 268 may include proprietaryor universal ports to support the interconnection of the Intelligent TV100 to other devices or components, which may or may not includeadditional or different capabilities from those integral to theIntelligent TV 100. In addition to supporting an exchange ofcommunication signals between the Intelligent TV 100 and a connecteddevice or component, the docking ports 268 can support the supply ofpower to the connected device or component. The docking ports 268 canalso comprise an intelligent element that comprises a docking module forcontrolling communications or other interactions between the IntelligentTV 100 and the connected device or component.

The Intelligent TV 100 also includes a number of card slots 272 andnetwork or peripheral interface ports 276. The card slots 272 mayaccommodate different types of cards including subscriber identitymodules (SIM), secure digital (SD) cards, MiniSD cards, flash memorycards, and other cards. Ports 276 in embodiments may includeinput/output (I/O) ports, such as universal serial bus (USB) ports,parallel ports, game ports, and high-definition multimedia interface(HDMI) connectors.

An audio/video (A/V) I/O module 280 can be included to provide audio toan interconnected speaker or other device, and to receive audio inputfrom a connected microphone or other device. As an example, the audioinput/output interface 280 may comprise an associated amplifier andanalog-to-digital converter.

Hardware Features:

FIG. 3 illustrates components of an Intelligent TV 100 in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, the IntelligentTV 100 includes a primary screen 304. Screen 304 can be a touchsensitive screen and can include different operative areas.

For example, a first operative area, within the screen 304, may comprisea display 310. In some embodiments, the display 310 may be touchsensitive. In general, the display 310 may comprise a full color,display.

A second area within the screen 304 may comprise a gesture captureregion 320. The gesture capture region 320 may comprise an area orregion that is outside of the display 310 area, and that is capable ofreceiving input, for example in the form of gestures provided by a user.However, the gesture capture region 320 does not include pixels that canperform a display function or capability.

A third region of the screen 304 may comprise a configurable area 312.The configurable area 312 is capable of receiving input and has displayor limited display capabilities. In embodiments, the configurable area312 may present different input options to the user. For example, theconfigurable area 312 may display buttons or other relatable items.Moreover, the identity of displayed buttons, or whether any buttons aredisplayed at all within the configurable area 312 of a screen 304, maybe determined from the context in which the Intelligent TV 100 is usedand/or operated.

In an exemplary touch sensitive screen 304 embodiment, the touchsensitive screen 304 comprises a liquid crystal display extending acrossat least those regions of the touch sensitive screen 304 that arecapable of providing visual output to a user, and a capacitive inputmatrix over those regions of the touch sensitive screen 304 that arecapable of receiving input from the user.

One or more display controllers 316 may be provided for controlling theoperation of the screen 304. The display controller 316 may control theoperation of the touch sensitive screen 304, including input (touchsensing) and output (display) functions. The display controller 316 mayalso control the operation of the screen 304 and may interface withother inputs, such as infrared and/or radio input signals (e.g.,door/gate controllers, alarm system components, etc.). In accordancewith still other embodiments, the functions of a display controller 316may be incorporated into other components, such as a processor 364.

The processor 364 may comprise a general purpose programmable processoror controller for executing application programming or instructions. Inaccordance with at least some embodiments, the processor 364 may includemultiple processor cores, and/or implement multiple virtual processors.In accordance with still other embodiments, the processor 364 mayinclude multiple physical processors. As a particular example, theprocessor 364 may comprise a specially configured application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC) or other integrated circuit, a digital signalprocessor, a controller, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit, aprogrammable logic device or gate array, a special purpose computer, orthe like. The processor 364 generally functions to run programming codeor instructions implementing various functions of the Intelligent TV100.

In support of connectivity functions or capabilities, the Intelligent TV100 can include a module for encoding/decoding and/orcompression/decompression 366 for receiving and managing digitaltelevision information. Encoding/decoding compression/decompressionmodule 366 enables decompression and/or decoding of analog and/ordigital information dispatched by a public television chain or in aprivate television network and received across antenna 324, I/O module348, wireless connectivity module 328, and/or other wirelesscommunications module 332. The television information may be sent toscreen 304 and/or attached speakers receiving analog or digitalreception signals. Any encoding/decoding and compression/decompressionis performable on the basis of various formats (e.g., audio, video, anddata). Encrypting module 368 is in communication with encoding/decodingcompression/decompression module 366 and enables the confidentiality ofall the data received or transmitted by the user or supplier.

In support of communications functions or capabilities, the IntelligentTV 100 can include a wireless connectivity module 328. As examples, thewireless connectivity module 328 can comprise a GSM, CDMA, FDMA and/oranalog cellular telephony transceiver capable of supporting voice,multimedia and/or data transfers over a cellular network. Alternativelyor in addition, the Intelligent TV 100 can include an additional orother wireless communications module 332. As examples, the otherwireless communications module 332 can comprise a Wi-Fi, Blutooth™,WiMax, infrared, or other wireless communications link. The wirelessconnectivity module 328 and the other wireless communications module 332can each be associated with a shared or a dedicated antenna 324 and ashared or dedicated I/O module 348.

An input/output module 348 and associated ports may be included tosupport communications over wired networks or links, for example withother communication devices, server devices, and/or peripheral devices.Examples of an input/output module 348 include an Ethernet port, aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) port, Thunderbolt™ or Light Peak interface,Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 port, orother interface.

An audio input/output interface/device(s) 344 can be included to provideanalog audio to an interconnected speaker or other device, and toreceive analog audio input from a connected microphone or other device.As an example, the audio input/output interface/device(s) 344 maycomprise an associated amplifier and analog-to-digital converter.Alternatively or in addition, the Intelligent TV 100 can include anintegrated audio input/output device 356 and/or an audio jack forinterconnecting an external speaker or microphone. For example, anintegrated speaker and an integrated microphone can be provided, tosupport near talk or speaker phone operations.

A port interface 352 may be included. The port interface 352 may includeproprietary or universal ports to support the interconnection of thedevice 100 to other devices or components, such as a dock, which may ormay not include additional or different capabilities from those integralto the device 100. In addition to supporting an exchange ofcommunication signals between the device 100 and another device orcomponent, the docking port 136 and/or port interface 352 can supportthe supply of power to or from the device 100. The port interface 352also comprises an intelligent element that comprises a docking modulefor controlling communications or other interactions between theIntelligent TV 100 and a connected device or component. The dockingmodule may interface with software applications that allow for theremote control of other devices or components (e.g., media centers,media players, and computer systems).

An Intelligent TV 100 may also include memory 308 for use in connectionwith the execution of application programming or instructions by theprocessor 364, and for the temporary or long term storage of programinstructions and/or data. As examples, the memory 308 may comprise RAM,DRAM, SDRAM, or other solid state memory. Alternatively or in addition,data storage 314 may be provided. Like the memory 308, the data storage314 may comprise a solid state memory device or devices. Alternativelyor in addition, the data storage 314 may comprise a hard disk drive orother random access memory.

Hardware buttons 358 can be included for example for use in connectionwith certain control operations. One or more image captureinterfaces/devices 340, such as a camera, can be included for capturingstill and/or video images. Alternatively or in addition, an imagecapture interface/device 340 can include a scanner, code reader, ormotion sensor. An image capture interface/device 340 can include or beassociated with additional elements, such as a flash or other lightsource. The image capture interfaces/devices 340 may interface with auser ID module 350 that assists in identifying users of the IntelligentTV 100.

The Intelligent TV 100 can also include a global positioning system(GPS) receiver 336. In accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention, the GPS receiver 336 may further comprise a GPS module thatis capable of providing absolute location information to othercomponents of the Intelligent TV 100. As will be appreciated, othersatellite-positioning system receivers can be used in lieu of or inaddition to GPS.

Power can be supplied to the components of the Intelligent TV 100 from apower source and/or power control module 360. The power control module360 can, for example, include a battery, an AC-to-DC converter, powercontrol logic, and/or ports for interconnecting the Intelligent TV 100to an external source of power.

Communication between components of the Intelligent TV 100 is providedby bus 322. Bus 322 may comprise one or more physical buses for control,addressing, and/or data transmission. Bus 322 may be parallel, serial, ahybrid thereof, or other technology.

Firmware and Software:

An embodiment of the software system components and modules 400 is shownin FIG. 4. The software system 400 may comprise one or more layersincluding, but not limited to, an operating system kernel 404, one ormore libraries 408, an application framework 412, and one or moreapplications 416. The one or more layers 404-416 can communicate witheach other to perform functions for the Intelligent TV 100.

An operating system (OS) kernel 404 contains the primary functions thatallow the software to interact with hardware associated with theIntelligent TV 100. Kernel 404 can include a collection of software thatmanages the computer hardware resources and provides services for othercomputer programs or software code. The operating system kernel 404 isthe main component of the operating system and acts as an intermediarybetween the applications and data processing done with the hardwarecomponents. Part of the operating system kernel 404 can include one ormore device drivers 420. A device driver 420 can be any code within theoperating system that helps operate or control a device or hardwareattached to or associated with the Intelligent TV. The driver 420 caninclude code for operating video, audio, and/or other multimediacomponents of the Intelligent TV 100. Examples of drivers includedisplay, camera, flash, binder (IPC), keypad, WiFi, and audio drivers.

Library 408 can contain code or other components that may be accessedand implemented during the operation of the software system 400. Thelibrary 408 may contain one or more of, but is not limited to, anoperating system runtime library 424, a TV services hardware abstractionlayer (HAL) library 428, and/or a data service library 432. The OSruntime library 424 may contain the code required by the operatingsystem kernel 404 or other operating system functions to be executedduring the runtime of the software system 400. The library can includethe code that is initiated during the running of the software system400.

The TV services hardware abstraction layer library 428 can include coderequired by TV services either executed in the application framework 412or an application 416. The TV services HAL library 428 is specific tothe Intelligent TV 100 operations that control different functions ofthe Intelligent TV. The TV service HAL library 428 can also be formedfrom other types of application languages or embodiments of differenttypes of code or formats for code beyond the hardware abstraction layer.

The data services library 432 can include the one or more components orcodes to implement components for the data services function. The dataservices function can be implemented in the application framework 412and/or applications layer 416. An embodiment of a function of the dataservices and the type of components that may be included is shown inFIG. 6.

The application framework 412 can include a general abstraction forproviding functionality that can be selected by one or more applications416 to provide specific application functions or software for thoseapplications. Thus, the framework 412 can include one or more differentservices, or other applications, that can be accessed by theapplications 416 to provide general functions across two or moreapplications. Such functions include, for example, management of one ormore of windows or panels, surfaces, activities, content, and resources,The application framework 412 can include one or more, but is notlimited to, TV services 434, TV services framework 440, TV resources444, and user interface components 448.

The TV services framework 440 can provide an additional abstraction fordifferent TV services. TV services framework 440 allows for the generalaccess and function of services that are associated with the TVfunctionality. The TV services 436 are general services provided withinthe TV services framework 440 that can be accessed by applications inthe applications layer 416. The TV resources 444 provide code foraccessing TV resources 444 including any types of storage, video, audio,or other functionality provided with the Intelligent TV 100. The TVresources 444, TV services 436, and TV services framework 440 providefor the different implementations of TV functionality that may occurwith the Intelligent TV 100.

One or more user interface components 448 can provide general componentsfor display of the Intelligent TV 100. The user interface components 448might be general components that may be accessed by differentapplications provided in the application framework 412. The userinterface components 448 may be accessed to provide for panels and silosas described in conjunction with FIG. 5.

The applications layer 416 can both contain and execute applicationsassociated with the Intelligent TV 100. Applications layer 416 mayinclude one or more of, but is not limited to, a live TV application452, a video on demand application 456, a media center application 460,an application center application 464, and a user interface application468. The live TV application 452 can provide live TV over differentsignal sources. For example, the live TV application 452 can provide TVfrom input from cable television, over air broadcasts, from satelliteservices, or other types of live TV services. Live TV application 452may then present the multimedia presentation or video and audiopresentation of the live television signal over the display of theIntelligent TV 100.

The video on demand application 456 can provide for video from differentstorage sources. Unlike Live TV application 452, video on demand 456provides for display of videos that are accessed from some memorysource. The sources of the video on demand can be associated with usersor with the Intelligent TV or some other type of service. For example,the video on demand 456 may be provided from an iTunes library stored ina cloud, from a local disc storage that contains stored video programs,or from some other source.

The media center application 460 can provide applications for differenttypes of media presentation. For example, the media center 460 canprovide for displaying pictures or audio that is different from, butstill accessible by the user and different from live TV or video ondemand. The media center 460 allows for the access of different sourcesto obtain the media in the display of such media on the Intelligent TV100.

The application center 464 allows for the provision, storage and use ofapplications. An application can be a game, a productivity application,or some other application generally associated with computer systems orother devices, but may be operated within the Intelligent TV. Anapplication center 464 may obtain these applications from differentsources, store them locally and then execute those types of applicationsfor the user on the Intelligent TV 100.

User interface application 468 provides for the specific user interfacesassociated with the Intelligent TV 100. These user interfaces caninclude the silos and panels that are described in FIG. 5. An embodimentof the user interface software 500 is shown in FIG. 5. Here theapplication framework 412 contains one or more code components whichhelp control the user interface events while one or more applications inthe applications layer 416 affects the user interface use for theIntelligent TV 100. The application framework 412 can include a silotransition controller 504 and/or an input event dispatcher 508. Theremay be more or fewer code components in the application framework 412than those shown in FIG. 5. The silo transition controller 504 containsthe code and language that manages the transitions between one or moresilos. A silo can be a vertical user interface feature on theIntelligent TV that contains information for user. The transitioncontroller 504 can manage the changes between two silos when an eventoccurs in the user interface. The input event dispatcher 508 can receiveuser interface events that may be received from the operating system andprovided to the input event dispatcher 508. These events can includeselections of buttons on a remote control or on the TV or other types ofuser interface inputs. The input event dispatcher 508 may then sendthese events to a silo manager 532 or panel manager 536 depending on thetype of the event. The silo transition controller 504 can interface withthe silo manager 532 to affect changes in the silos.

The applications layer 416 can include a user interface application 468and/or a silo application 512. The applications layer 416 can includemore or fewer user interface applications as necessary to control theuser interface of the Intelligent TV 100 than those shown in FIG. 5. Theuser interface application 468 can include a silo manager 532, a panelmanager 536, and one or more types of panels 516-528. The silo manager532 manages the display and/or features of silos. The silo manager 532can receive or send information from the silo transition controller 504or the input event dispatcher 508 to change the silos displayed and/orto determine types of input received in the silos.

A panel manager 536 is operable to display panels in the user interfaceto manage transitions between those panels or to affect user interfaceinputs received in the panel. The panel manager 536 may thus be incommunication with different user interface panels such as a globalpanel 516, a volume panel 520, a settings panel 524, and/or anotification panel 528. The panel manager 536 can display these types ofpanels depending on the inputs received from the input event dispatcher508. The global panel 516 may include information that is associatedwith the home screen or top level hierarchal information for the user. Avolume panel 520 may display information about an audio volume controlor other settings for volume. A settings panel 524 can includeinformation displayed about the settings of the audio or video, or othersettable characteristics of the Intelligent TV 100. A notification panel528 can provide information about notifications to a user. Thesenotifications can be associated with information, such as, video ondemand displays, favorites, currently provided programs, or otherinformation. Notifications can be associated with the media or with sometype of setting, or operation or the Intelligent TV 100. The panelmanager 536 may be in communication with the panel controller 552 of thesilo application 512.

The panel controller 552 may operate to control portions of the panelsof the types described previously. Thus, the panel controller 552 may bein communication with a top panel application 540, an application panel544, and/or bottom panel 548. These types of panels may be differentlydisplayed in the user interface of the Intelligent TV 100. The panelcontrol thus may be based on the configuration of the system or the typeof display being used currently, put the types of panels 516-528 into acertain display orientation governed by the top panel application 540,application panel 544, or bottom panel application 548.

An embodiment of the data service 432 and the operation of the datamanagement is shown in FIG. 6. The data management 600 can include oneor more code components that are associated with different types ofdata. For example, there may be code components within the data service432 that execute and are associated with video on demand, the electronicprogram guide, or media data. There may be more or fewer types of dataservice 432 components than those shown in FIG. 6. Each of the differenttypes of data may include a data model 604-612. The data models governwhat information is to be stored and how that information will be storedby the data service. Thus, the data model can govern regardless of wherethe data comes from, how the data will be received or managed within theIntelligent TV system. Thus, the data model 604, 608, and/or 612, canprovide a translation ability or affect the ability to translate datafrom one form to another to be used by the Intelligent TV 100.

The different types of data services (video on demand, electronicprogramming guide, media) each have a data subservice 620, 624, and/or628 that is in communication with one or more internal and/or externalcontent providers 616. The data subservices 620, 624, and 628 thatcommunicate with the content providers 616 to obtain data that may thenbe stored in databases 632, 636, and 640. The subservices 620, 624, and628 may communicate with and initiate or enable one or more sourceplug-ins 644, 648, and 652 to communicate with the content provider. Foreach content provider 616, there may be a different source plug-in 644,648, and 652. Thus, if there is more than one source of content for thedata, each of the data subservices 620, 624, and 628 may determine andthen enable or initiate a different source plug-in 644, 648, and/or 652.The content providers 616 may also provide information to a resourcearbitrator 656 and/or thumbnail cache manager 660. The resourcearbitrator 656 may operate to communicate with resources 664 that areexternal to the data service 432. Thus, the resource arbitrator 656 maycommunicate with cloud based storage, network based storage, or othertypes of external storage in the resources 664. This information maythen be provided through the content provider module 616 to the datasubservices 620, 624, 628. Likewise, a thumbnail cache manager 660 mayobtain thumbnail information from one of the data subservices 620, 624,628 and store that information in the thumbnails database 668. Furtherthe thumbnail cache manager 660 may extract or retrieve that informationfrom the thumbnails database 668 to provide to one of the datasubservices 620, 624, 628.

An exemplary content aggregation architecture 1300 is shown in FIG. 13.The architecture can include a user interface layer 1304 and a contentaggregation layer 1308. The user interface layer 1304 may include a TVapplication 1312, media player 1316, and application(s) 1320. The TVapplication 1312 enables the viewer to view channels received via anappropriate transmission medium, such as cable, satellite, and/or theInternet. The media player 1316 views other types of media received viaan appropriate transmission medium, such as the Internet. Theapplication(s) 1320 include other TV-related (pre-installed)applications, such as content viewing, content searching, deviceviewing, and setup algorithms, and coordinates with the media player1316 to provide information to the viewer.

The content source layer 1308 includes, as data services, a contentsource service 1328, a content aggregation service 1332 and a contentpresentation service 1336. The content source service 1328 can managecontent source investigators, including local and/or network filesystem(s), digital network device manager (which discovers handheld andnon-handheld devices (e.g., digital media servers, players, renderers,controllers, printers, uploaders, downloaders, network connectivityfunctions, and interoperability units) by known techniques, such as amulticast universal plug and play or UPnP discovery techniques, and, foreach discovered device, retrieves, parses, and encodes devicedescriptors, notifies the content source service of the newly discovereddevice, and provides information, such as an index, on previouslydiscovered devices), Internet Protocol Television or IPTV, digitaltelevision or DTV (including high definition and enhanced TV), thirdparty services (such as those referenced above), and applications (suchas Android applications).

Content source investigators can track content sources and are typicallyconfigured as binaries. The content source service 1328 starts contentsource investigators and maintains open and persistent channels forcommunications. The communications include query or command and responsepairs. The content aggregation service 1332 can manage content metadatafetchers, such as for video, audio, and/or picture metadata. The contentpresentation service 1336 may provide interfaces to the content index1340, such as an Android application interface and digital deviceinterfaces.

The content source service 1328 can send and receive communications 1344to and from the content aggregation service 1332. The communications caninclude notifications regarding new and removed digital devices and/orcontent and search queries and results. The content aggregation service1332 can send and receive communications 1348 to and from the contentpresentation service 1336 including device and/or content lookupnotifications, content-of-interest advisories and notifications, andsearch queries and results.

When a search is performed, particularly when the user is searching orbrowsing content, a user request may be received from the user interfacelayer 1300, by the content presentation service 1336, which responsivelyopens a socket and sends the request to the content aggregation service1332. The content aggregation service 1332 first returns results fromthe local database 1340. The local database 1340 includes an index ordata model and indexed metadata. The content source service 1328 furtherissues search and browse requests for all content source investigatorsand other data management systems. The results are forwarded to thecontent aggregation service 1332, which updates the database 1340 toreflect the further search results and provides the original contentaggregation database search results and the data updates, reflecting theadditional content source service search results, over the previouslyopened socket to the content presentation service 1336. The contentpresentation service 1336 then provides the results to one or morecomponents in the user interface layer 1300 for presentation to theviewer. When the search session is over (e.g., the search session isterminated by the user or by an action associated with user), the userinterface layer 1300 disconnects the socket. As shown, media can beprovided directly by the content aggregation service 1332 to the mediaplayer 1316 for presentation to the user.

Remote Control:

A handheld remote control can be provided to enable user interactionwith the Intelligent TV 100. An exemplary handheld remote control isshown in FIGS. 7-9. The remote control 700 can include one or more of,but is not limited to, top, side and bottom housings 704, 708, and 712,an (on/off) power button 716, an input source button 720 (to selectinput source such as Live TV, video on demand, media center, applicationcenter, high definition multimedia interface or HDMI, component or COMP,audio/Video or A/V, digital or analog television or DTV/ATV, and videographics array (VGA)), a (volume) mute button 724, a Live TV button 728(to activate or select the Live TV silo), a video on demand (VOD) button732 (to activate or select the video on demand silo), a media centerbutton 736 (to activate or select the media center application or silo,which access various types of media such as music, TV programming,videos, and the like), an application center button 740 (to activate orselect the application center application or silo), a global panelbutton 744, an application panel button 748, a back button 752 (toselect a prior user operation or Intelligent TV state and/or navigate upa hierarchy of any displayed image or object(s) (in which case the backbutton 752 does not navigate within application panels or acrossapplication silos), a play button 756 (to play or pause media), a D-pad760 (which includes north, east, west, and south directional arrows tonavigate among displayed images and/or move between levels of anapplication's or object's hierarchy such as application view navigation,panel navigation, and collection navigation), an OK (or select) button764 (to select a highlighted displayed image (such as displayed speedcontrol, rewind, forward, play, and pause objects and/or objects on menubar or in a menu box) and/or navigate down a hierarchy of any displayedimage or object(s)), a rocker-type volume-up and volume-down button 768(to adjust the volume), a menu/guide button 772 (to select for display amenu or guide of programming), a 0-9 (number) button 776 (to display anumber pad on the TV screen), a settings button 780 (which launches anapplication to access current and change TV settings (such as channelsettings and settings used to adjust picture and sound effects (e.g.,image mode (e.g., standard, playground, game, cinema, concert, andstudio), brightness, contrast, saturation, color temperature, energysavings, 3D noise reduction, hue, sharpness, zoom mode (e.g., fullscreen, standard, smart zoom, and dot-to-dot), picture position, 3Dmode, for picture, and sound retrieval system or SRS TruSurround, soundmode (e.g., standard, live 1, live 2, theatre, music, speech, userequalizer mode, Left/Right speaker balance, auto volume control,Sony/Philips Interconnect Format or S/PDIF (off, auto, pulse codemodulation or PCM) for sound) and system settings (such as system (e.g.,selected language for graphical user interface, user geographical and/orgeopolitical location information, input method, area settings, andsleep time), network (e.g., WiFi, WiFi hotspot, WiFi direct,Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet or PPPoE (asymmetric digitalsubscriber line or ADSL), Ethernet) settings (e.g., enabled and disabledand selected and non-selected) and information (e.g., networkinformation (e.g., electronic address such as Internet Protocol or IPaddress, subnet mask, gateway, domain name server information, domainname, Media Access Control or MAC address, service set identification orSSID, security information, and password information) and inlinestatus), manage applications (e.g., currently installed applications,currently executing applications, and internal and external computerreadable medium usage), and view user information regarding theIntelligent TV 100)), a rocker-type channel-up and channel-down button784 (to increment or decrement the selected channel), and first, second,third and fourth hotkeys 788, 792, 794, and 796, and/or a moveablejoystick 900 on a bottom of the remote control 700. The first, second,third, and fourth hotkeys are generally assigned different colors, whichcolor indexing is depicted as visual indicia on a selected panel to showthe currently assigned function, if any, for each hotkey. As can beseen, the actuator layout can provide a highly efficient, satisfactory,and easily usable experience to the end user.

Unlike the functional associations and functions of many of theactuators, those of some of the actuators are not readily apparent. Anumber of examples will now be discussed by way of illustration.

The media center button 736, when selected, can provide informationregarding music, videos, photographs, collections or groupings of music,videos, and/or photographs, and internal and external computationaldevices (such as personal computers, laptops, tablet computers, wirelessphones, removable computer readable media, and the like), which can begrouped in a selected manner (such as favorites, most recently viewed,most watched or viewed, and most recently added). The information canincludes previews (which can include selected portions of the mediacontent, duration, file size, date created, date last watched, timeswatched or viewed, and audio and/or video format information).

The application center button 740, when selected, may provideinformation regarding pre-installed and downloaded applications. Unlikedownloaded applications, pre-installed applications cannot be removed bythe user or manually updated. Exemplary pre-installed applicationsinclude web browser, settings control, and content search algorithms. Byway of illustration, the application center button 740 can provide ascrollable graphical grid of icons (each icon being associated with anapplication) currently available in the application center.

The global panel button 744, when selected, can provide the user, viaone or more panels or windows, with access to one or more of, but notlimited to, silos, notifications, a web browser, system settings, and/orinformation associated therewith. For example, the global panel button744 can enable the user to determine what external devices are currentlyconnected to and/or disconnected from the Intelligent TV 100, determinewhat inputs (e.g., HDMI ports) are currently available for connecting toexternal devices, determine a connection and/or operational status of aselected external device and/or network (e.g., WiFi connected, Ethernetconnected, and offline), assign a custom (or user selected) name to eachinput source, determine what content is currently being offered on LiveTV, on demand, the media center, and/or the application center, accessvendor messages and notifications to the user (e.g., system and/orapplication updates are available), activate the Internet browser,and/or access shortcuts on a displayed shortcut bar to more frequentlyused and desired applications. Common shortcuts are Internet browser(e.g., Internet search engine), system settings, and notifications. Thecommon types of panels are for information (which is typicallyinformation related to a currently displayed image and/or content (e.g.,title, date/time, audio/visual indicator, rating, and genre), browserequests, and/or search requests (such as search term field)). Each ofthe panel types may include a panel navigation bar, detailed informationor relevant content to the panel function, operation and/or purpose, anda hotkey bar (defining currently enabled functional associations ofhotkeys).

The application panel button 748, when selected, can display anapplication window or panel. One application panel may be an informationpanel regarding a selected (pre-installed or previously downloaded)application icon. The information panel can one or more of identify theselected application, provide a description of the functionality(including application developer and/or vendor, version, release, and/orlast update date and a category or type of application based on theapplication's functionality) and user ratings and/or degree of otheruser downloading of the application (e.g., a star rating assigned basedon one or more of the foregoing inputs), provide the option to launch,remove, update, and add to favorites the identified application, andprovide a listing of selectable links of other (not yet downloaded)recommended applications that provide similar functionality to theidentified application. The latter listing can, in turn, provide adescription of the functionality (including application developer and/orvendor, version, release, and/or last update date and a category or typeof application based on the application's functionality) and userratings and/or degree of other user downloading of the application(e.g., a star rating assigned based on one or more of the foregoinginputs).

The functions of the first, second, third, and fourth hotkeys 788, 792,794, and 796 can change depending on system state, context, and/or,within a selected screen and/or panel, based on a content or currentlyselected portion of (or relative cursor position on) the screen.Commonly, a currently assigned function of any of the first, second,third, and fourth hotkeys 788, 792, 794, and 796 depends on a currentlyaccessed silo and/or panel (with which the user is currently interactingwithin the silo). In other words, a first function of one of the first,second, third, and fourth hotkeys 788, 792, 794, and 796 is activated bythe respective hotkey in a first system state while a different secondfunction is activated by the respective hotkey in a different secondsystem state. In another example, a third function of one of the first,second, third, and fourth hotkeys 788, 792, 794, and 796 is activated bythe respective hotkey when a user focus (or currently selected cursorposition or screen portion) is at a first screen position while adifferent fourth function is activated by the respective hotkey when auser focus (or currently selected cursor position or screen portion) isat a different second screen position. The first screen position can,for instance, be within an icon while the second screen position isoutside of the icon. Hotkey functionality that could be enabled when inthe first screen position may be “configure” and “remove” and disabledis “add”, and, when in the second position hotkey functionality enabledcan be “add” and disabled is “configure” and “remove”. Generally, thestates of hotkeys can include normal (for enabled actions or functions),disabled (when an action or function is temporarily disabled), pressed(when selected by a user to command an action or function to beperformed), and unavailable (when no association between the hotkey andan action or function is currently available). While examples of hotkeyfunctions are discussed below, it is to be understood that these are notintended to be exhaustive or limiting examples.

The first hotkey 788, when selected in a first system state, can enablethe user to assign, change, or edit a name of an input source. It istypically enabled only when the input source of HDMI, Comp/YPbPr (e.g.,component video cables), video output, and VGA is in focus. Whenselected in a second system state, the first hotkey 788 can return theuser to a top of a scrollable collection of objects, such as applicationicons.

The second hotkey 792 may show all or less. In other words, the hotkey792 can allow the user to show all inputs, including theunconnected/undetected ones and to hide the unconnected/undetectedinputs, e.g., to expand and collapse the silo/input list. Each inputsource can have one of two states, namely connected/detected andunconnected/undetected. Some input sources, including Live TV, video ondemand, media center, and application center are alwaysconnected/detected.

The moveable joystick 900 on the bottom of the remote control 700, whenmanipulated, can cause a displayed image on the Intelligent TV 100screen to be displaced a proportional amount. In other words, thedisplayed image is displaced substantially simultaneously withdisplacement of the joystick 900 within the joystick aperture 904 in thebottom housing 712 of the remote control. As shown in FIGS. 9B-C, thejoystick 900 moves or slides between forward and reverse positions.Releasing the joystick 900 causes the joystick 900 to return to thecenter position of FIG. 9A, and the window to move or slide upwardly(when the joystick is released from the joystick position of FIG. 9B) ordownwardly (when the joystick is released from the joystick position ofFIG. 9C) until it disappears from view as shown in FIG. 11A. The effecton the screen of the Intelligent TV 100 is shown in FIGS. 11A-C. In FIG.11A, video content, such as TV programming, a video, movie, and thelike, is being displayed by front surface of the screen 212. In FIG.11B, the joystick 900 is moved or slid to the upper position of FIG. 9B,and a drop down window or panel 1100 moves or slides down (at thesubstantially the same rate of joystick 900 movement) at the top of thescreen 212. In FIG. 11C, the joystick 900 is moved or slid to the lowerposition of FIG. 9C, and a drop up window or panel 1100 moves or slidesup (at the substantially the same rate of joystick 900 movement) at thebottom of the screen 212. The window 1100 partially covers the videocontent appearing on the remainder of the screen 212 and/or causes aportion of the screen 212 displaying video content to move and/orcompress up or down the height of the window 1100.

The window 1100 can include one or more of information (which istypically information related to a currently displayed image and/orcontent (e.g., panel navigation bar, detailed information (e.g., title,date/time, audio/visual indicator, rating, and genre), and hotkey bar(defining current functional associations of hotkeys)), browse requests,and/or search requests. Commonly, the window 1100 includes suitableinformation about the content (such as name, duration, and/or remainingviewing duration of content), settings information, TV or system controlinformation, application (activation) icons (such as for pre-installedand/or downloaded applications such as application center, media centerand Web browser), and/or information about input source(s), When thejoystick 900 is in either the forward or reverse position, the user canselect an actuator on the front of the remote control, such as the OKbutton 764, and be taken, by displayed images on the screen 212, toanother location in the user interface, such as a desktop. This processcan be done in a nonintrusive manner and without affecting the flow ofcontent that is pushed up or down. The joystick 900 could be moved,additionally or differently, from side-to-side to cause the window toappear at the left or right edge of the screen 212.

An alternative actuator configuration is shown in FIG. 10. The actuatorsare substantially the same as those of FIGS. 7-9 except that the socialnetwork button 1000, when selected, can automatically select content andpublish, via a social network service or other social media, the contentto a social network or online community. User or viewer comments and/orother messages can be included in the outbound message. For example, allor one or frames or portions of media content (such as a video, music, aphotograph, a picture, or text) can be provided automatically to apredetermined or selected group of people via Linked-In™, Myspace™,Twitter™, YouTube™, DailyMotion™, Facebook™, Google+™, or Second Life™.The user, upon activating the button 1000 could, in response, select asocial forum or media upon which the selected content (which is thecontent displayed to the user when the social network button 1000 isactivated) is to be posted and/or a predetermined group within thatsocial media to which the content is to be posted. Alternatively, theseselections could be preconfigured or preselected by the user.

The social network button can also be used to “turn up” or “turn down” asocial volume visualization. The Intelligent TV 100 can createdynamically a visualization of aggregated connections (and inboundand/or outbound messages) from a variety of social networks. Theaggregation (and inbound and outbound messages) can be depictedgraphically on the screen as a volume of connections to influence theviewer user. With a social volume visualization, selected contents ofeach linked social network profile of a social contact (and inboundand/or outbound messages from or to the linked social network contactand/or current activity of the social contact (such as watching the sameprogramming or content the viewer is currently watching) can bepresented in a separate tile (or visually displayed object). The size ofthe tile can be related to any number of criteria, including arelationship of the linked social contact (e.g., a relative degree ofimportance or type of relationship can determine the relative size ofthe tile, a degree of influence of the linked social contact to thecurrent viewer, a geographic proximity of the linked social contact tothe current viewer, a degree to which the currently provided mediacontent is of interest to both the viewer and linked social contact(e.g., both parties enjoy war movies, murder mysteries, musicals,comedies, and the like), an assigned ranking of the linked viewer by theviewer, a type of social network type linking the viewer with the linkedsocial contact, a current activity of the social network contact (e.g.,currently watching the same content that the viewer is currentlywatching), a current online or offline status of the linked socialcontact, and a social network grouping type or category to which boththe viewer and linked social contact belong (e.g., work contact, bestfriend, family member, etc.).

The viewer can designate a portion of the screen to depict the socialnetwork aggregation. By turning the social volume up (+) or down (−),the viewer can increase the size and/or numbers of linked contact tilesprovided to the viewer. In other words, by increasing the social volumethe viewer can view, access, and/or push more social content from thoseof his or her social networks associated with him or her in a memory ofthe Intelligent TV. By decreasing the social volume, the viewer canview, access, and/or push less social content from his or her associatedsocial networks. By selecting the mute button 724, the viewer can stopor pause any interactivity with his or her associated social networks(e.g., inbound or outbound messages). Social volume and/or mute can beseparated into two (or more) volume settings for outbound and inboundsocial network activity. By way of illustration, a first volume setting,control, and/or button can control the volume for outbound socialnetwork activity (e.g., outbound social messages) while a second(different) volume setting, control, and/or button can control thevolume for inbound social network activity (e.g., inbound socialmessages). By way of further illustration, a first mute setting,control, and/or button can stop or pause outbound social networkactivity (e.g., outbound social messages) while a second (different)mute setting, control, and/or button can stop or pause inbound socialnetwork activity (e.g., inbound social messages).

A functional block diagram of the remote control is shown in FIG. 12.The remote control 700 includes a controller 1208 to control andsupervise remote control operations, optional wireless (RF) transceiver1224 and antenna 1244 to send and receive wireless signals to and fromthe Intelligent TV 100 and other external components, optional infraredemitter 1228 to emit infrared signals to the Intelligent TV 100,optional light emitting diode or LED driver 1232 to control LEDoperation to provide video-enabled feedback to the user, actuators 1220(including the various buttons and other actuators discussed above inconnection with FIGS. 7 and 10), and joystick 900, all interconnectedvia a bus 1248. An on board power source 1200 and power managementmodule 1204 provide power to each of these components via powercircuitry 1240. The infrared emitter 1228 and receiver (not shown) onthe Intelligent TV system 100 can be used to determine a displayedobject illuminated by the infrared signal and therefore adjust thedisplayed image, for example to indicate a focus of the user (e.g.,illuminate a displayed object or show cursor position relative todisplayed objects on the screen) and to determine and activate a desiredcommand of the user. This can be done by tracking a position of theremote control in relation to infrared tracking reference points (e.g.,a sensor bar or infrared LED's) positioned on or adjacent to the screenof the Intelligent TV 100. Motion tracking can further be augmentedusing position information received from a multi-axis gyroscope and/oraccelerometer on board the remote control (not shown).

Live TV and Interface:

FIG. 14 depicts a first-time experience user interface 1408 for the liveTV application of an Intelligent TV 100. Before the functionalityassociated with the live TV application may be enabled, one or morechannel sets may need to be scanned. As such, if the live TV applicationis started and no channel sets have been scanned, the user may beprompted to scan for channels. Channel sets may be associated with atleast one signal source. For instance, one signal source may correspondto analog television channels while another may correspond to digitaltelevision channels. In some embodiments, the at least one signal sourcemay include one or more of an over-the-air broadcast medium, a digitalTV channel source, an analog TV channel source, a cable provider, asatellite provider, the Internet, a multiple-system operator (MSO), andcombinations thereof. In this example, two buttons 1412 and 1416 arepresented to the user. The button 1412, when selected by the user,requires the TV 100 to scan digital TV signals to determine whichchannels or content sources are available for the live TV application.Similarly, if the user selects button 1416, the television 100 scansanalog TV signals to determine the channels that may be available forthe live TV application. The buttons 1412, 1416 may be selected via aremote control or other input device.

In some embodiments, a scan may have been previously conducted foreither the analog or the digital TV signals or channel sets. In thiscase, a user may be presented with a “switch to” button in lieu of a“scan for” button as one of the options displayed to the intelligenttelevision 100. The “switch to” button, if selected, may allow a user toaccess an available channel set and even the functionality associatedwith the live TV application. For example, if a user has previouslyconducted a scan of analog channels (ATV), but has not scanned fordigital channels (DTV), button 1412 may read “Scan DTV” while button1416 may read “Switch to ATV.” As can be appreciated, the same may applyfor a previously conducted scan of digital channels where analogchannels have not been previously scanned. The option to switch to apreviously scanned channel set may be provided in the event that atleast one channel has been found in a previous scan. However, when bothchannel sets have been scanned, the functionality associated with liveTV may be enabled.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram depicting a first time experience setup method1500 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Themethod 1500 begins at step 1504 when a user attempts to access the liveTV application of the Intelligent TV 100. Next, the method 1500 maydetermine whether the live TV application is accessed for the first time(step 1508). In some cases, this determination may be made by theIntelligent TV 100 recognizing that the live TV application has not beenpreviously configured.

If it is determined that the Intelligent TV 100 should present afirst-time experience to a user, the method 1500 may continue bypresenting one or more channel set scan options via the Intelligent TV100. In some embodiments, the channel sets may be grouped by varioussignal sources. For example, the scan options may include analogtelevision, digital television, combinations thereof, and the like asprovided herein. It is anticipated that the scan options may bepresented as interactive dialog boxes displayed to the Intelligent TV100.

In response to the presented scan options, a user may provide a scaninput or a cancel input (step 1516). As can be appreciated, the scan orcancel input may be provided via a remote control or other input device.In one embodiment, one of the scan options may be highlighted bydefault. As such, a user may only need to provide an enter input ratherthan provide a navigation selection and an enter input.

In the event that a user provides a scan input, the method 1500continues by automatically scanning the selected channel set (step1520). Next, the method 1500 continues by determining whether anychannels are found as part of the automatic scan (step 1524). If nochannels are found the method 1500 may return to step 1512. However, ifone or more channels are found as part of the automatic scan the method1500 may continue by enabling live TV application functionality (step1528). In one embodiment, if one or more channels are found on a firstchannel set the method 1500 may return to step 1512 to provide the userwith the option to scan a second channel set. Once the live TVapplication functionality has been enabled, the method 1500 ends at step1532.

If it is determined at step 1508 that a first-time experience will notbe presented to a user, the method 1500 may continue by determiningwhether one or more channel sets have been previously scanned (step1536). When it is determined that no channel sets have been scanned, themethod 1500 may continue at step 1512. However, if it is determined thatat least one channel set has been previously scanned, the method 1500may proceed to step 1540.

In some embodiments, the Intelligent TV 100 may require that aparticular channel set be scanned to enable live TV applicationfunctionality. In other words, a user may be prevented from accessingcertain functionality associated with the live TV application if aparticular channel set is not scanned. The method 1500 may optionallycontinue by determining whether a required channel set has been scanned(step 1540). If the required channel set has been scanned, the method1500 may proceed to enable live TV application functionality (step1528). On the other hand, if the required channel set has not beenscanned, or if there is no requirement to scan a particular channel set,the method 1500 may continue at step 1544.

At step 1544, a user may be presented with an option via an interactivedialog box to scan a particular channel set and to switch to anotherparticular channel set. As provided above, a user may have conducted aprevious channel scan. This previous channel scan may allow the user toswitch to the previously scanned channel set and enable live TVfunctionality via the interactive dialog box presented to theIntelligent TV 100 (step 1548). The user may provide a switch input viaa remote control or other input device. If no switch input is received,method 1500 may continue by detecting a scan input or a cancel input(step 1516).

FIGS. 16A-16E depict various dialog, or notification, presentations inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In someinstances, it may be necessary for one or more components of theIntelligent TV 100 to communicate to a user via a dialog box. Thesedialog boxes may include interactive features and/or informationalcontent that may be viewed by a user. Among other things, the dialog boxmay allow a user to review information and/or select content whilewatching the live TV application. As such, the dialog box may beconfigured to be discreet and un-obstructive. For example, the dialogbox may be one or more of, transparent, justified to a particularsection of the Intelligent TV 100 display, constructed from a singlecolor, utilize a clear font type (e.g., sans serif, regular font style,etc.), include minimal features, and even be configured to disappearafter a certain time. It is an aspect of the present disclosure, thatthe dialog boxes may incorporate standard operating system dialogs thatare used to convey information to, and/or require input from, a user.

A dialog box presented to a user via the Intelligent TV 100 may beconfigured to disappear after a given period of time. Alternatively, andin some cases, a dialog box may be configured to remain displayed to theIntelligent TV 100 depending on the content associated with the dialogbox. In some cases, a dialog box may incorporate a default selection oraction. In this instance, if a user fails to provide a selection, theselection may be made automatically in response to a passage of time.

FIG. 16A is a block diagram of a first embodiment of an Intelligent TV100 dialog presentation. The dialog box 1616 depicted in FIG. 16A maycomprise a header 1604, a body 1608, and a footer 1612 section. Althoughthese separate sections 1604, 1608, 1612, may be combined to form adialog box 1616, it should be appreciated that any one of the sections1604, 1608, 1612, individually, may comprise the dialog box. In someembodiments, the various sections 1604, 1608, 1612, may include one morefeatures. These features may further comprise informational portionsand/or interactive portions. For example, the header 1604 may includethe title of a channel or notification. The body 1608 may includecontent associated with the dialog box, such as, a description of aprogram or reminder, a selectable option, a timeout feature, or thelike. The footer 1612 may include similar content as the header 1604 orthe body 1608. It should be appreciated, that any of the sections 1604,1608, 1612, described herein and in FIGS. 16A-E, can include graphics,dividers, markers, delineations, text, checkboxes, radio buttons,selectable content, hyperlinks, and/or the like.

FIG. 16B is a block diagram of a second embodiment of an Intelligent TV100 dialog presentation. Specifically, a compact dialog box 1620 isshown comprising a header 1604 and a body 1608. As described herein, theheader 1604 may contain titles, prompts, information, and the like. Insome embodiments, the header 1604 may be separated from the body 1608 bya visual and/or content divider. For example, the header 1604 mayinclude a question, or prompt, asking the user for input via a selectionmechanism contained in the body 1608. Such prompts may correspond toprogramming information, personal preferences, Intelligent TV 100settings, application settings, and the like. In some cases, the body1608 may include a yes/no, on/off, or option list, from which a user mayselect.

FIG. 16C is a block diagram of a third embodiment of an Intelligent TV100 dialog presentation. In particular, FIG. 16C shows a variation of adialog box 1624 that includes a body 1608 and a footer 1612. The footer1612, like the header 1604 and the body 1608, may include a timingfeature associated with the presentation of the dialog box 1616, 1624.The timing feature may be configured to show a visual progress of theelapsed time associated with dialog box 1616, 1624. In some cases, thetiming feature may be configured to show a time remaining with thepresentation of the dialog box 1616, 1624. For example, the timeremaining may be expressed as one or more numbers, progress bars,countdown timers, reverse progress bars, etc. Once the timer hasexpired, whether counting up or counting down, the dialog box 1608,1616, 1620, 1624, may disappear from the display of the Intelligent TV100.

FIG. 16D is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of an Intelligent TV100 dialog presentation. In an exemplary embodiment, the dialog box maycomprise the body 1608 only. Although the body 1608 may contain timingfeatures, titles, selectable options, descriptions, and other content,is anticipated that the dialog box will remain at a reduced size incomparison to the size of the display of the Intelligent TV 100. Forinstance, the dialog box 1608 may be presented to a section of theIntelligent TV 100 display, such that, it only takes up a small portionof the viewing content area. A dialog box configured as a body 1608 maybe used as a simple reminder, or notification, of content associatedwith the live TV application.

FIG. 16E is a block diagram of a dialog presented to the display of anIntelligent TV 100 in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As shown, the dialog box 1620 includes a header 1604 and abody 1608. The header 1604 displays the title of the program that isavailable via the live TV application. In FIG. 16E, the title of theprogram shown via the dialog box 1620 is “CXNX News.” The body 1608 caninclude prompts 1608A, 1608B, 1608C, along with one or more selectableinputs 1628, such that a user may select an input that is associatedwith the prompts 1608A, 1608B, 1608C. In the present example, the firstprompt 1608A is associated with a reminder setting, the second prompt1608B is associated with a program favorite setting, and the thirdprompt 1608C is associated with a channel favorite setting. As can beappreciated, a user may navigate among these prompts 1608A, 1608B,1608C, to select a corresponding action that may be performed by thelive TV application. In the present example, the reminder setting prompt1608A is highlighted by default. A user may move the position of thehighlight via a remote control or other input device.

Referring to FIG. 17 a flow diagram depicting a dialog presentationmethod 1700 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The method 1700 begins at step 1704 and continues when thelive TV application receives an input to initiate a dialog presentation(step 1708). The initiation input may be provided by one or more of, auser, the live TV application, other applications associated with theIntelligent TV 100, and/or one or more components of the Intelligent TV100. For instance, a reminder may have been set, or programmed, for aspecific program or show that is scheduled to play on live TV. Thereminder may be associated with an initiation condition, including butnot limited to, a timer, an input from an electronic programming guide,in response to another condition, some other input, or combinationsthereof. Continuing the example, when the initiation condition issatisfied for the reminder, the reminder may display to the IntelligentTV 100. In some cases, the reminder may be displayed within a specifictimeframe of a scheduled program or show.

The method 1700 continues by selecting a dialog presentation based atleast partially on the received input (step 1712). Selection of thedialog presentation may include determining whether the presentationshould include a header 1604, a body 1608, a footer 1612, and/orcombinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, selection of thedialog presentation may include determining content and/or featurescontained within a dialog. For instance, a typical informative dialogpresentation may include a body 1608 only. However, a dialogpresentation that includes a title and descriptive information coupledwith selectable inputs and even a timeout feature may require a header1604, a body 1608, and a footer 1612. By way of example, a reminderdialog presentation may include the title of the reminder in a header1604 and at least one selectable option in the body 1608 that allows auser to change channels to the program associated with the reminder.

Next, the method 1700 may determine whether or not the dialogpresentation is time informative (step 1716). In some embodiments, thedialog presentation may provide a visual representation of a timeassociated with certain dialog content. As can be appreciated, a usermay be provided with a countdown timer, a progress bar, or other timefeature associated with the dialog box. The time feature may beinformative of a program start time, a current time, and/or a timeassociated with the dialog box presentation. Determining whether or nota dialog is time informative may include referring to a memory havingstored preferences, or rules, associated with one or more of TV content,dialog boxes, time informative features, etc. For example, a reminderpresented to a user via a dialog box may inform the user of a start timeof a TV show. Because the start time of the TV show is time sensitive,the reminder dialog box may provide at least one of, a start time of theshow, a time until the start time, a countdown time until the starttime, and a time feature relating to the presentation of the dialog box.Among other things, the time feature disclosed in this example can allowa user to make a selection decision while a dialog box is presented viathe Intelligent TV 100. If the dialog is not determined to be timeinformative, the method 1700 continues at step 1724.

If the dialog is determined to be time informative, the method 1700continues by including at least one time information feature as part ofthe dialog presentation (step 1720). In one example, a time feature mayinclude a progress bar displayed as part of the dialog box. The progressbar may represent an amount of time associated with the presentation ofthe dialog box. For instance, a progress bar may show how long a dialoghas been presented to the display of an Intelligent TV 100. As such, theprogress bar may include a time start point and a time endpoint. Inanother example, a reverse progress bar may be configured to countdown,and/or display a graphical change, representing a time remaining for thepresentation of the dialog. Upon an expiration of the time shown via thereverse progress bar, the dialog may be configured to disappear. Theprogress bar, reverse progress bar, or other time feature, may relate tolive TV content or the presentation of a dialog.

As previously stated, the dialog box may incorporate a defaultselection, or action, that may be automatically selected in response toa passage of time. Among other things, providing a user with a visualrepresentation of time associated with the dialog box can allow a userto make a selection other than the default selection associated with thedialog box.

The method 1700 continues by presenting the dialog via the live TVapplication and the Intelligent TV 100 (step 1724). Presentation of thedialog may include, but is not limited to, a display justification point(e.g., left-justified, right-justified, center-justified,bottom-justified, top-justified, and combinations thereof), atransparency level, a font type or style, an overall size, an action, asize in relation to the display of the Intelligent TV 100, and more.

When the dialog is presented to the display of the Intelligent TV 100, atimer may be initiated that defines the amount of time the dialog willbe presented (step 1728). As can be appreciated, the timer may be a“count-up” timer or a “countdown” timer. The live TV application may beconfigured to provide an action upon the expiration of the dialogpresentation timer. One example of an action associated with theexpiration of the timer may include causing the dialog to disappear fromthe display of the Intelligent TV 100. Another example of an actionassociated with the expiration of the timer may include an automaticselection of an available option via the Intelligent TV 100.

Next, the method 1700 receives an input from a user, or the expirationof the timer, to remove the dialog presentation (step 1732). A userinput may correspond to a selection associated with the dialogpresentation, a cancellation, or some other input associated with theIntelligent TV 100. For example, a user may select an option associatedwith the dialog box, in which case the dialog box may disappear. In someembodiments, a user may not enter an input and an automatic selectionmay be made by the expiration of the timer. In any event, when the timerhas reached the end of its scheduled time the dialog box may beconfigured to disappear from display. In an alternative embodiment, thedialog box may be configured to fade out, move to the application (orother) panel, minimize, or otherwise dismiss from the content view areaof the Intelligent TV 100. The method ends at step 1736.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a panel configuration in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. As previouslydiscussed, the panel manager 536 is operable to display panels in theuser interface to manage transitions between those panels or to effectuser interface inputs received in the panel. The panel manager 536 maythus be in communication with different user interface panels such as aglobal panel 516, a volume panel 520, a settings panel 524, andapplication panel 544, and/or a notification panel 528. The panelmanager 536 can display these types of panels depending on the inputsreceived from the input event dispatcher 508. The panel system isdesigned to provide a quick access to extended functionality while stillmaintaining visibility into the main content view.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the Intelligent TV 100 may display a globalpanel 1804, an active content view area 1808, and an application panel1812. The global panel 1804 may be the same or similar to global panel516. The global panel 1804 may include information that is associatedwith the home screen or top level hierarchical information for the user.For instance, global panel 1804 may be used to contain and accessfunctionality that exists at a system level; this functionality may becompletely independent of the currently viewed content. The global panel1804 may be displayed in such a manner as to not disrupt the contentview area 1808; that is, the global panel 1804 may be displayed in sucha manner as to provide a user the ability to view content displayed inthe content view area 1808 over or adjacent to live TV content. Forexample, the global panel 1804 may be translucent in nature such thatthe content displayed in the content view area 1808 is displayed (i.e.,still viewable to a user), behind the global panel 1804. The globalpanel 1804 may provide a consistent access to high-level actions acrossall applications, an anchor for all views, a unified experience, andfurther may follow the same pattern as the application panel 1812.Moreover, and as previously discussed, global panel 1804 may bedisplayed by the Intelligent TV 100 such that the active content in thecontent view area 1808 is always in view. In some embodiments, theglobal panel 1804 and the contents of the global panel 1804 may dependon the user; that is, the global panel 1804 may be specific to one ormore users. Therefore, the global panel 1804 may also be thought of as ahome panel.

As further illustrated in FIG. 18, the Intelligent TV 100 may display anapplication panel 1812. The application panel 1812 may be the same orsimilar as application panel 544. The application panel 1812 may provideaccess to contextually relevant functionality based on the currentlyviewing/recently viewed material. Similar to the global panel 1804, theapplication panel 1812 may provide such access without disrupting thecontent view area 1808. That is, the application panel 1812 may bedisplayed in such a manner as to provide a user the ability to viewcontent displayed in the content view area 1808 over or adjacent to liveTV content. For example, the application panel 1812 may be translucentin nature such that the content displayed in the content view area 1808is displayed (i.e., still viewable to a user), behind the applicationpanel 1812. The application panel 1812 may provide quick access to corefunctionality of the Intelligent TV 100 such that the active content inthe content view area 1808 is always in view. Moreover, the applicationpanel 1812 may provide a consistent user experience across allapplications and may include focused contextual content.

The Intelligent TV 100 may include an application panel 1812 as shown inFIG. 19. The content displayed in the application panel 1812 depends onthe content displayed in the content view area 1808. Stated another way,the application panel 1812 is contextually dependent upon the source ofcontent and the content itself in the content view area 1808. This issignificantly different from the global panel 1804, in which the contentdisplayed in the global panel 1804 contains functionality that exists ata system level and is completely independent of the currently viewedcontent in the content view area 1808. The application panel 1812 alsoprovides customized information for each application. The applicationpanel 1812 may comprise application panel elements comprising anapplication panel navigation bar 1904, a content area 1908, and a hotkeylegend 1912. The application panel navigation bar 1904 is presented suchthat the navigation pattern and content remain consistent across allapplications. That is, the navigation bar 1904 may include the same orsimilar elements such that an easy navigation is maintained no matterwhich application and/or sources are selected and displayed. Forexample, the navigation panel bar 1904 may include fixed regions1920A-1920E corresponding to live TV navigable menus and furthercomprising Info, EPG, Categories, Favorites, and Search. Although, Info,EPG, Categories, Favorites, and Search are illustrated in FIG. 19,additional or fewer tab regions may be displayed.

The content area in 1908 is panel view specific. For example, dependingon the panel view focus, the content area 1908 may update, as furtherdescribed below. Moreover, the application panel 1812 may include ahotkey legend 1912 corresponding to one or more hotkeys. The hotkeylegend 1912 is positioned at the bottom of the panel 1812 across allapplications. The function of the hotkeys is context sensitive and mayvary depending on the application selected and/or displayed in thecontent view area 1808. However, generally speaking, some hotkeys aregenerally navigation based while others may be action based. Forexample, the hotkeys may correspond to shortcuts such as marking aseries, program, show, or channel as a favorite. In another example, atleast one of the hotkeys may correspond to a reminder such that aseries, program, or show can be marked for a reminder.

FIG. 20 depicts a first embodiment of an information (Info) panelpresented via an application panel of an Intelligent TV. The sample liveTV application panel 1812 shown in FIG. 20 includes an application panelnavigation bar 1904, a content area 1908, and a hotkey legend 1912. Inthis example, Info tab 1920A is highlighted to display live TVinformational content via the application panel 1812. In particular,FIG. 20 depicts an example where the Info fixed region 1920A has a focusin accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. When theInfo fixed tab region 1920A has a focus, or is highlighted, an Infopanel type, such as panel type 1812 may be presented. Panel type 1812may be presented when the content displayed in the active content area1808 is associated with content having series information.

The application panel 1812 may include a section that identifies aprogram type. Program types may include, but are not limited to, TVepisodes, TV specials, movies, sports events, radio stations, andundefined or general programs. TV episodes can include, but are in noway limited to, drama series, situation comedies (sitcoms), animatedseries, reality shows, mini-series, talk shows, game shows, newscasts,combinations thereof and the like. Sports events may include, but arenot limited to, baseball season, hockey playoffs, boxing matches,Superbowl, football championships, etc. Specials may include holiday orseasonal specials, election coverage, special news reports, and more. Inthe event that a program type is not recognized, or does not haveprogram information, the application panel 1812 may display undefinedcontent in the content area 1908. An unrecognized program type mayinclude any program playing on live TV that does not include metadata.In one embodiment, a program may not be classified into one of theprogram types disclosed above in which case, the application panel 1812may provide general informational content. In one example, live TVinformational content may be determined by referring to rules stored ina memory. Continuing this example, informational content fields may bemapped to a particular live TV broadcast content, or program, types. Forinstance, an event program type may include similar informationalcontent to a TV series program type. The event may be configured toinclude fields such as, a thumbnail graphic, a description, and achannel identifier. The TV series may also be configured to includefields such as, a thumbnail graphic, a description, and a channelidentifier. In some embodiments, the program type of a particularprogram (e.g., one presented to the active content area 1808, etc.) maybe compared to one or more mapped content fields stored in rules. Oncethe informational content field, or fields, have been determined, theIntelligent TV100 may include the content fields in the presentationlayout of the informational content. When retrieved, the informationalcontent may use the fields to populate the informational contentpresented to an application panel 1812.

As part of the program identification, the application panel 1812 mayinclude a program name, season, episode number, description, and thelike, in a program identification section 2004A. Additionally oralternatively, a program may be identified by a series or episode numberin a second program identification section 2004B. A third programidentification section 2008C may include program format, ratings,preferences, and/or other settings. The program identification sectionin the contact content area 1908 may include a thumbnail graphic 2008.The thumbnail graphic 2008 may be used to identify a program visually,and may even include a channel identification number or symbol. In someembodiments, the content area 1908 may include preference informationsuch as a favorites button 2016. A favorites button 2016 may be used toadd a program, or channel, to a favorites list. Additionally oralternatively, the favorites button 2016 may be used to remove aprogram, or channel, from a favorites list. The favorites list may bestored in a memory as disclosed herein.

As previously stated, the application panel 1812 and the panel type maydynamically change depending on the information associated with the liveTV content playing in the content view area 1808. For instance, in theevent that a TV series is playing in the active content area 1808, theapplication panel 1812 may display TV series information in the contentarea 1908. In some embodiments, the live TV broadcast content playing inthe content view area 1808 can continue to play even while anapplication panel 1812, EPG, information content, and more are displayedin an overlapped condition over at least a portion of the content viewarea 1808. In one embodiment, the application panel 1812 and content inthe application panel 1812 are at least partially transparent. As such,live TV content is visible beneath an overlapped application panel 1812,whether the application panel is showing an EPG, information, favorites,or other content. TV series information may include one or more of achannel number, thumbnail graphic, season, episode, description, starttime, and time, and other TV series-specific information.

A thumbnail graphic 2008 may be displayed for a program, movie, show,episode, special, sports event, as a default, or for some otherundefined content. It is anticipated, that the thumbnail graphic 2008 berelated to the content associated with the program. As such, thumbnailgraphic 2008 content may be retrieved from a memory, or an electronicprogramming guide, for display in the application panel 1812. In someembodiments, a thumbnail graphic 2008 may be provided by the metadatathat accompanies a broadcast channel signal. In some cases, however, athumbnail image, or graphic, may not be available for a particularprogram. In this instance, the live TV application may retrieve athumbnail image from a memory associated with the Intelligent TV 100.Default images may be used to define specific program types, orundefined program types. For instance, a radio station program may notbe associated with a particular thumbnail image or graphic and as such adefault image of a radio station can be provided via the thumbnailgraphic 2008.

In some embodiments, a content area 1908 of the application panel 1812may provide an “On Next” information 2020 section. The “On Next”information 2020 may comprise information relating to one or moreprograms, shows, specials, events, movies that are playing on live TVafter the program shown in the content area 1908 has finished playing.As such, the “On Next” information 2020 may include a thumbnail graphic2008 of the next program and/or additional information related to theprogram (e.g., a description, etc.). In one embodiment, the “On next”information 2020 may include a start time, and an identification of theprogram. In another embodiment, the “On Next” information 2020 mayprovide “recommended” viewing content, subsequent episodes playing ondifferent channels, and even “favorite” viewing content. “On Next”information 2020 sections may be associated with one or more info panelsdisplaying movies, TV specials, sports events, and/or TV seriesepisodes.

As can be appreciated, various information panels may include more orless information depending on the content associated with the live TVbroadcast. For example, an unrecognized or undefined program may notinclude “On Next” information 2020. In another example, a movie programmay not include episode information. In yet another example, a radiostation channel, or music channel, may not include episode information,“On Next” information 2020, or season information. In many cases,however, the various programs may include a description of what isplaying on live TV. Additionally, the various programs may include achannel identifier in the application panel 1812.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, and aspreviously described, a user may select a fixed tab region 2140corresponding to Info, as illustrated in FIG. 21. An indicator, such asindicator 2140 may display which fixed tab region is selected or has thecurrent select-focus. Application panel 1812 may then display contextspecific information corresponding to the active content area 1808. Forexample, the application panel 1812 may include information specific tolive TV. For instance, channel 801 may correspond to the network “CXNX.”Additionally, a thumbnail graphic 2104 corresponding to the channel 801,or program 2112 playing on the channel, may be displayed in theapplication panel 1812. Moreover, the application panel 1812 may utilizeone or more panel content types discussed herein. For example, amini-electronic program guide, or “On Next” information 2020 sectiondisplaying program scheduling pertaining to the active content area 1808may be displayed in the application panel 1812. Moreover, additionalinformation pertaining to the active content area 1808 may be presentedto a user. Information such as the title of the program 2112, thescheduling of the program 2116, a description of the program 2120, andcharacteristics of the program (e.g., visual quality, High Definition(HD), signal quality, sound quality, Dolby®, category, genre, etc.) 2124may also be displayed. Moreover, upon the display of the applicationpanel 1812, other linked areas or functions may also be displayed.

FIG. 22 shows a flow diagram depicting an information panel presentationmethod 2200 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.The method 2200 begins at step 2204 and proceeds by recognizing aselect-focus and/or selected content via the application panel 1812(step 2208). In some embodiments, the select-focus may correspond to aposition of a user's cursor, or indicator 2140, on the application panel1812. A select-focus may include a default focus associated with one ormore of the fixed tab regions 1904. The select-focus may be moved via auser input from a remote control or other input device. One example ofmoving or shifting the select-focus may include providing a directionalinput via a remote control. Selected content may be recognized via aninput provided in association with a selection-focus. Additionally oralternatively, selected content may be recognized by detecting an inputthat is independent of a selection-focus. For example, although anindicator 2140 may be associated with a portion of the application panel1812, a user may provide an input corresponding to a different portionof the application panel 1812. In this example, a user may select aprogram hotkey, provide a directional input (e.g., up, down, left,right, angles, and combinations thereof), a swipe input, and/or a holdinput to select content.

If the select-focus is associated with an Info tab region 1920A, themethod 2200 continues by receiving an input to initiate the informationpresentation via the application panel 1812 (step 2212). The input maybe provided by a user via a remote control or other input device. Insome embodiments, the user-provided input may be a selection input basedon a corresponding position of a select-focus associated with thenavigation bar 1904. In other embodiments, an informational input may beprovided via an information button associated with a remote control orother input device. In this case, a select-focus may not be required todisplay informational content via the live TV application panel 1812.Additionally or alternatively, the input may be provided via theIntelligent TV 100 in response to a condition. For example, a timer maybe configured to change live TV channels on the Intelligent TV 100 at agiven time. Once the channel is changed, the Info tab 1920A may beautomatically selected and information may be shown via the applicationpanel 1812. This automatic selection and presentation may be provided byone or more of the components associated with the Intelligent TV 100. Ascan be appreciated, rules and/or preferences may be used to determinethe automatic selection and/or presentation of information via the Infotab 1920A and the application panel 1812.

Upon receiving an input to initiate the information presentation via theapplication panel 1812, the method 2200 continues by determining thepresentation of information based at least partially on the selection(step 2216). The presentation of information may include, but is notlimited to, a layout, a graphical representation, selected fields,descriptions, and the like. As such, certain presentations ofinformation may be governed by the content related to the selectioninput. In one example, a selection input may be provided to showinformation relating to broadcast content playing via live TV in theactive content area 1808. Continuing this example, if a movie is playingin the active content area 1808, the information presentation selectedfor the application panel 1812 may include a movie name, a description,a cast list, a movie rating, a start and end time, and more. On theother hand, if a radio station program is playing in the active contentarea 1808, the information presentation selected for display in theapplication panel 1812 may include the radio station program channelnumber, a default image, a description of any music playing etc. In someembodiments, a size of the active content area 1808 may include thetotal viewable area of the Intelligent TV 100 display.

The method 2200 continues by retrieving the information presentationcontent from at least one source (step 2220). For instance, if theinformation presentation content includes a description of the contentplaying on live TV, the Intelligent TV 100 may retrieve this informationfrom at least one broadcast signal. Typically, such programminginformation may be included in the data accompanying a broadcast signal.Additionally or alternatively, if the information presentation contentincludes “recommended” or “favorite” content, the Intelligent TV 100 mayrefer to a memory where such content may be stored. In one embodiment,the memory may be associated with the hardware of the Intelligent TV100. In some cases, this content may be stored in a memory remote fromthe Intelligent TV 100, in which case, the Intelligent TV 100 and itsvarious components may be caused to communicate across a network toretrieve the content. Among other things, the content retrieved acrossthe network may include, but is in no way limited to, programminginformation, thumbnail graphics, EPGs, etc. One example of the networkmay include, but is not limited to, the Internet.

Next, the Intelligent TV 100 may present the information presentationcontent via the live TV application and panel 1812 (step 2224). Asdisclosed herein, the presentation may include a visual, audible, and/orcombination presentation via the live TV application. In someembodiments, the presentation of information may be associated withinthe application panel 1812 alone. The presentation of information mayinclude, but is not limited to, a layout, a graphical representation,selected fields, descriptions, and the like. In any event, thepresentation layout is displayed to the Intelligent TV 100 as determinedin step 2216. This presentation of information may include any of thelayouts shown in the application panels 1812 of the appended figures.Additionally or alternatively, the presentation of information, and eventhe application panel 1812, may be at least partially transparent. Insome embodiments, the content presented to the active content area maybe at least partially visible beneath, or through, the live TVapplication panel 1812 and even the information presentation contentthat is presented via the application panel 1812. In one embodiment, thesize of the active content area is maintained upon presenting theinformation presentation content via the application panel 1812. Forexample, the application panel 1812 in some instances does not affectthe size of the displayed active content. The method 2200 ends at step2228.

FIG. 23A shows a first embodiment of an EPG 2304 presented via anapplication panel 1812 of an Intelligent TV 100. As shown, theapplication panel 1812 can overlap or move at least a portion of theactive content area 1808. The EPG region 1920B of the panel navigationbar 1904 is shown as selected. The selection may be provided via a userinput and/or automatically via the Intelligent TV 100 (e.g., in responseto condition or other selection made). In some cases the selection ofthe EPG region 1920B may be indicated via a select-focus in the form ofa highlight, an underline, a specific font style, an action (e.g.,movement of the EPG region indicator 1920B, brightness adjustment,etc.), combinations thereof, and the like. This select-focus indicationmay be associated with the EPG region 1920B. The application panel 1812may also include a hotkey legend 1912 similar to other applicationpanels 1812 displayed via the Intelligent TV 100. As previouslydiscussed, the hotkeys provided in the hotkey legend 1912 may becustomized to facilitate shortcut navigation and/or special featuresassociated with the Intelligent TV 100 and/or the application panel1812. For instance, the hotkeys may be context sensitive to a particularapplication panel 1812 displayed. As shown in FIG. 23A, the hotkeylegend 1912 may include Page Up, Page Down, Remind, Favorite, and otherfeatures.

In some embodiments, the EPG 2304 may be displayed via an applicationpanel 1812 in a particular layout or format that presents scheduledprogramming to a viewer of the Intelligent TV 100. This particularlayout or format may be customized and/or changed by a user via at leastone input provided via a remote control or other input device. Forexample, a first format of the EPG 2304 may present the scheduledprogramming in a table, or list, in a channel number order. As can beappreciated, the channels may be selected from one or more particulargroups of channels (e.g., favorites, available channels, premiumchannels, etc.) and ordered from low-to-high channel number or fromhigh-to-low channel number. Each channel may include program informationthat can include start, end, duration, and other times associated withthe channel's programming.

Additionally or alternatively, the application panel 1812 may include aprogram preview pane 2308 that may include a program thumbnail graphic2008, an identifier, description, times, and other information that isassociated with the channel and/or the program. The program preview pane2308 may change to display new information as time passes or as a usernavigates through selected channels. In some embodiments, theIntelligent TV 100 may select a particular channel to displayinformation via the program preview pane 2308. This selection may bebased on stored rules. In some cases, the program preview pane 2308 maybe configured to display information associated with the first channelon the EPG 2304 list, as a default.

The EPG 2304 may be configured to present one or more programs for eachchannel in a list, or tabular, format that is accompanied by an EPG timescale 2312. For instance, and as shown in FIG. 23A, the first channel inthe list has a first program that runs until 9:00 PM and a secondprogram that begins at 9:00 PM. The program may include a text, graphic,and/or combination thereof identifier. The identifier may be used toidentify the program to a user of the Intelligent TV 100. Although shownwith a finite number of channels displayed via the list of the EPG 2304,it is anticipated that other channels may be caused to display to theEPG 2304 list given a user provided input. For instance, a user mayscroll to another line, or page, on the list, by using the Page Downhotkey of a remote control or other input device as designated by thehotkey legend 1912. As another example, a user may navigate throughchannels in the EPG 2304 by providing a directional input (e.g., viaarrow keys, channel up/down buttons, etc.) from a remote control orother input device.

In some embodiments, the EPG time scale 2312 may include a current timeindicator. The current time indicator may be represented by a graphicthat is associated with the EPG time scale 2312 and that is capable ofmoving relative to the EPG time scale 2312. FIG. 23A shows a smallarrow, or caret symbol, positioned between the 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM onthe EPG time scale 2312 that acts as a current time indicator. Theposition of the caret symbol along the scale in the present exampleindicates that the time is approximately 8:40 PM. Although shown as acaret symbol, it is anticipated that any graphic may be used to providean indication of the current time to a user or viewer of the IntelligentTV 100. Moreover, while a moveable time indicator is disclosed above, itis anticipated that some embodiments may employ a fixed current timeindicator while the EPG time scale 2312 itself moves relative to thefixed current time indicator.

Referring now to FIG. 23B, a second embodiment of an EPG 2304′ presentedvia an application panel 1812 of an Intelligent TV 100 is shown. In someembodiments, the EPG 2304′ may present programming information by time.In other words, the list of programs contained in the EPG 2304′ can beordered by a time associated with the program. The time may indicate atime that a program is scheduled to start. Additionally oralternatively, the program list may be compiled in the EPG 2304′ via theIntelligent TV 100 from one or more groups of channels (e.g., favorites,available channels, premium channels, etc.). The times associated witheach program can be ordered from earliest-to-latest start time orlatest-to-earliest start time. Each program in the list may includeprogram information, a description, start, end, duration, and othertimes associated with the programming and the like. In some cases, eachprogram identifier may be accompanied by an alert feature. For example,the first three programs shown in the EPG 2304′ of FIG. 23B indicate viaan alert feature that the program is “ON NOW.” In this example, thealert feature may be used to indicate that select programs are playingnow on a channel associated with the program information displayed inthe EPG 2304′. Additionally or alternatively, the alert features may beconfigured to indicate that a show is new, a favorite, recommended,scheduled for a reminder, scheduled for recording, and more.

As previously stated, the application panel 1812 may include a programpreview pane 2308 that may include a program thumbnail graphic 2008, anidentifier, description, times, and other information that is associatedwith the channel and/or the program. The program preview pane 2308 maychange to display new information as time passes or as a user navigatesthrough selected channels, programs, or start times. In someembodiments, the Intelligent TV 100 may select a particular start time,channel, or program, to display information via the program preview pane2308. This selection may be based on stored rules. In some cases, theprogram preview pane 2308 may be configured to display informationassociated with the first channel on the EPG 2304′ list, as a default.

In any of the EPG embodiments disclosed herein, a user may select anitem (e.g., program, channel, etc.) from the EPG list and theIntelligent TV 100 may change the currently tuned channel to the programand/or channel selected. In some embodiments, the selection of one ofthe items in the EPG list may result in the live TV application closingand the live feed being changed to the selected channel. Among otherthings, the user selection may be provided by an input according to anymanner of input disclosed herein.

FIG. 24A depicts a first embodiment of an EPG 2304 and EPG previewwindow 2408 presented via an application panel 1812 of an Intelligent TV100. The EPG 2304 shown includes scheduled programming listed by channelnumber (e.g., from channel number 1 to channel number 12). Theapplication panel 1812 also shows the application panel navigation bar,an EPG time scale, and a hotkey legend, in accordance with embodimentsof the present disclosure. In some embodiments, select content from theEPG 2304 may provide an EPG preview window 2408 via the Intelligent TV100. The EPG preview window 2408 may include a thumbnail graphic, atitle, description, time, channel identifier, combinations thereof, andthe like. Among other things, the EPG preview window 2408 may includeexpanded information of program information that is displayed in the EPG2304.

In some embodiments, an EPG preview window 2408 may be visuallyassociated with a particular channel and/or program. For instance, theEPG preview window 2408 may include a preview indicator 2412. Amongother things, the preview indicator 2412 may point to a particular row(e.g., program, channel, time segment, etc.) in the EPG 2304.

The EPG preview window 2408 may be displayed by navigating to aparticular row, program, or time slot, within the EPG 2304. In oneembodiment, the EPG preview window 2408 may display after a given periodof time has passed since a row, program, or slot is selected (whetherthe selection is provided by a user input or in response to a defaultcondition of the Intelligent TV 100). In another embodiment, a user mayselect to display the EPG preview window 2408 by providing an input viaa remote control or other input device. For example, a selection of thefirst row, or Channel 1 in FIG. 24A, may cause an EPG preview window2408 to appear within at least a portion of the active content area1808. The EPG preview window 2408 may be translucent or at leastpartially transparent to allow content playing in the active contentarea 1808 to show through the EPG preview window 2408. In essence, thistranslucent appearance of the EPG preview window 2408 can allowinformation to be displayed to a viewer, or user, without totallyobstructing content that is playing on the Intelligent TV 100.Continuing the example above, the EPG preview window 2408 is presentingexpanded information associated with the program “Newsroom.”

FIG. 24B shows an EPG preview window 2408′ associated with programmingcontent playing on Channel 12. In this example, a user may have providedan input to navigate to the first program in the Channel 12 row on theEPG 2304. For example, a user may have provided a navigational input(e.g., up, down, left, right, etc.) via a remote control or other inputdevice associated with the Intelligent TV 100. As such, the EPG previewwindow 2408 may move closer to the selected channel and the previewindicator 2412′ may shift to point to the row associated with theselected channel. In this example, the EPG preview window 2408′ is nowpresenting expanded information associated with the program “Home.” Inany embodiment, the behavior of the EPG preview window 2408 and thepreview indicator 2412 may depend on rules stored in memory. Such rulesmay govern when the EPG preview window 2408 moves relative to the EPG2304. Additionally or alternatively, the rules stored in memory maygovern how the preview indicator 2412 moves relative to the EPG previewwindow 2408 and/or the EPG 2304.

FIG. 25 shows a flow diagram depicting an EPG presentation method 2500in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The method2500 begins at step 2504 and proceeds when the Intelligent TV 100receives input to initiate the EPG presentation (step 2508). In someembodiments, the EPG may be initiated by a user providing an input via aremote control or other input device. In one example, a user mayactivate the application panel 1812 by providing an input via the remotecontrol or other device. Once the application panel is presented to theIntelligent TV 100, the user may navigate along the application panelnavigation bar 1904 and shift the select-focus to the EPG region 1920B.In another example, a user can provide an input via a hotkey, or otherbutton, associated with a remote control or other device that may causethe application panel 1812 to display the EPG directly. In other words,the user would not be required to navigate through regions on theapplication panel navigation bar 1904 to display the EPG. In yet anotherexample, the EPG may be automatically displayed by the Intelligent TV100 in response to detecting a condition stored in rules.

Next, the EPG presentation layout is determined by the Intelligent TV100 (step 2512). This determination may be based at least partially onthe input that initiated the EPG presentation. For example, if an inputis provided to display a channel-based EPG, the Intelligent TV 100 woulddetermine a channel-based EPG to present via the application panel 1812.On the other hand, if an input is provided to display a time-based EPG,the Intelligent TV 100 would determine to present a time-based EPG viathe application panel 1812. Rules stored in a memory associated with theIntelligent TV 100 may dictate the presentation layout. In someembodiments, the rules stored in a memory may include one or more EPGinformation layout templates. The one or more EPG information layouttemplates may correspond to a layout template that arranges content thatmakes up the EPG information. As can be appreciated, the EPG informationlayout template may be associated with a specific EPG presentation inputand/or live TV content playing in the content view area 1808 as an EPGpresentation input is received. In one embodiment, an EPG presentationinput may be matched to stored EPG inputs to determine a select EPGinformation layout template for the presentation of the EPG information.

In some embodiments, the EPG presentation layout may include at leastone position associated with content that makes up the EPG information.The at least one position may correspond to a position of the contentwithin a live TV application panel 1812. In some embodiments, the EPGpresentation layout may include specific content that makes up the EPGinformation. For example, an EPG presentation layout may be determinedto include a thumbnail graphic, a preview window, and a time scale. Inanother example, the EPG presentation layout may be determined topresent the EPG information in a particular arrangement, position,location, space, size, and/or combinations thereof relative to theapplication panel 1812.

The method 2500 continues by retrieving EPG information from at leastone source (step 2516). In some cases, the Intelligent TV 100 mayretrieve program information from over-the-air channel signals.Typically, the program information provided in such signals is limitedto simple text-based descriptions. However, the Intelligent TV 100 maybe connected to a network (e.g., the Internet) and as such, may retrievedetailed program information, graphics, additional content, multi-media,and the like. Accordingly, the Intelligent TV 100 may compare, select,and/or aggregate information retrieved from at least one source.

At step 2520, the Intelligent TV 100 presents the EPG informationretrieved in step 2516 via the live TV application and panel 1812. TheEPG information may be presented in the predetermined EPG presentationlayout. Additionally or alternatively, the arrangement of the presentedEPG information may be altered via user input. The method 2500 ends atstep 2524.

FIG. 26 shows a flow diagram depicting an EPG and preview window 2408presentation method 2600 in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Similar to the other methods presented herein, the method2600 may be performed by at least one processor executing instructionsstored in a non-transitory computer readable medium associated with theIntelligent TV 100. The method 2600 begins at step 2604 and proceeds bydetermining a select-focus associated with displayed EPG content (step2608). Among other things, displayed EPG content may correspond to arow, a program, a time, or combinations thereof that are associated withan EPG list. As previously described above, the select-focus maycorrespond to a visual representation of the position of a user'scursor, or indicator, on the application panel 1812. Examples ofselect-focus visual representations may include, but are not limited to,highlights, underlines, font style emphasis/change, shadows, glows,color change, associated icons, actions, combinations thereof, and thelike. The select-focus may indicate that a specific program and/or EPGentry in the displayed EPG information is selected.

Once a select-focus that is associated with EPG content is determined,the Intelligent TV 100 may initiate a timer for the determined EPGcontent (step 2612). The timer may be configured to count up or countdown, depending on the configuration. In any event, the timer caninclude a goal time. Upon reaching the goal time, the method maycontinue. In some embodiments, the timer may be configured to reset ifthe select-focus is shifted to other EPG content. Additionally oralternatively, the timer may be preconfigured with an expiration time, alimit, or an overall duration.

The method 2600 continues by determining whether the timer has expiredor reached its preset limit, or goal time (step 2616). If the timer hasnot completed its timing function, the method 2600 may proceed todetermine whether user input is received by the Intelligent TV 100 (step2632). Where no user input is received, the method 2600 may return tostep 2616 and continue to run the timing function associated with theinitiated timer.

If the timer has completed its timing function, the method continues bypresenting an EPG preview window 2408, or “bubble” preview (step 2620).In some embodiments, the EPG preview window 2408 may be presentedadjacent to the application panel 1812 in the active content area 1808of the Intelligent TV 100. It is anticipated that the EPG preview window2408 may be separate and apart from the application panel 1812. The EPGpreview window 2408 may include a preview indicator 2412. In some casesthe preview indicator 2412 may be configured to overlap at least aportion of the application panel 1812. Additionally or alternatively,the preview indicator 2412 may be linked to an EPG entry that isassociated with the EPG preview window and the EPG information presentedto the display of the Intelligent TV 100. In one embodiment, the link ofthe preview indicator 2412 to the EPG entry may be indicated by anarrow. For example, the preview indicator 2412 may point to a specificEPG entry in the EPG information presented via the application panel1812.

Next, the method 2600 continues by determining whether user input isreceived (step 2624). If no user input is received, via a remote controlor other input device, the method 2600 ends at step 2628. On the otherhand, if user input is received, at step 2624 or at step 2632, themethod 2600 continues by determining whether the user input is anavigate-type input (step 2636). In some embodiments, the navigate-typeinput may be provided by a remote control or other input device.Examples of navigate-type inputs may include, but are not limited to,directional inputs (e.g., via arrow keys, swipes, touch-screens, etc.),channel up inputs, channel down inputs, hotkey inputs associated withnavigation, combinations thereof, and the like. As disclosed herein, thenavigate-type input may correspond to movement within EPG content thatis available via the application panel 1812. In some cases, the EPGcontent may not be displayed to the application panel 1812, but anavigate-type input may display the EPG content to the application panel1812. Upon receiving a navigate-type input, the method 2600 may proceedto navigate to the EPG content associated with a direction ordestination of the navigate-type input (step 2648). After navigating tothe EPG content, based on the provided navigate-type input, the method2600 may repeat from step 2608.

If a user-input is received via the Intelligent TV 100, but it isdetermined to be an input other than a navigate-type input associatedwith EPG content, the method 2600 continues by determining a functionassociated with the input received (step 2640). Next, the methodcontinues by providing the function determined in step 2640 (step 2644).For example, a user may provide an “exit” input via a remote controldevice. Based on this input, the Intelligent TV 100 determines that theinput is not a navigate-type input as disclosed herein. Continuing theexample, the method 2600 provides the “exit” input functionality, whichin this case may correspond to closing the application panel 1812. Inanother example, a user may provide an “enter” input while theselect-focus is associated with a program in the EPG content. In thiscase, the “enter” input may be associated with tuning the Intelligent TV100 to the signal source associated with the program in theselect-focus. The Intelligent TV 100 may provide the functionalityassociated with the “enter” input and tune to the signal source. Themethod ends at step 2628.

FIG. 27 depicts an embodiment of a compact EPG 2708 presented via anapplication panel 1812 of an Intelligent TV 100. As shown, theselect-focus associated with the application panel navigation bar 1904is set to the Categories tab 1920C. In some cases the selection of theCategories tab 1920C may be indicated via a select-focus in the form ofa highlight, an underline, a specific font style, an action (e.g.,movement of the Categories tab 1920C indicator, brightness adjustment,etc.), combinations thereof, and the like. This select-focus indicationmay be associated with the Categories tab 1920C. The application panel1812 may also include a hotkey legend 1912 similar to other applicationpanels 1812 displayed via the Intelligent TV 100. As previouslydiscussed, the hotkeys provided in the hotkey legend 1912 may becustomized to facilitate shortcut navigation and/or special featuresassociated with the Intelligent TV 100 and/or the application panel1812. For instance, the hotkeys may be context sensitive to a particularapplication panel 1812 displayed. As shown in FIG. 27, the hotkey legend1912 may include Remind, Favorite, and other actions associated with oneor more hotkeys. The hotkeys may be associated, or mapped, to one ormore inputs of a remote control or other input device.

The application panel 1812 includes an EPG layout header 2704. The EPGlayout header 2704 may be used to alter the format of a displayedcompact EPG 2708. For instance, the EPG layout header 2704 shows“Category List” in FIG. 27 with a caret pointing left, while the compactEPG 2708 is presenting the compact, or “mini,” EPG in a chosen categoryformat. A user may select the EPG layout header 2704 to change, remove,create, or select categories that the compact EPG 2708 will display.Categories available via the “Category List” may include, but are notlimited to, time-based, genre, title, program type (e.g., movie, TVspecial, sport, radio, undefined, etc.), channel-based, reminders,combinations thereof, and even user-created categories. In this example,the chosen category EPG list is shown by channel number on the left-handside of the compact EPG 2708. In some embodiments, a user may select theEPG layout header 2704 to modify the presentation of the compact EPG2708 in the application panel 1812. Upon selecting the EPG layout header2704, the user may be presented with a number of compact EPG 2708 layoutoptions. One example of such a presentation layout option may includedisplaying the compact EPG 2708 as any one of the categories disclosedabove that can be chosen via a selection from within the Category tab1920C of application panel 1812. In a “Time-Based” categorypresentation, the compact EPG 2708 may be arranged by time (as opposedto channel number, as previously discussed above). In anotherembodiment, a user may select a “Movie” category from the “CategoryList,” in which case the compact EPG 2708 displays a list of movies thatare available for viewing via the Intelligent TV 100. Other variationsand presentation layouts regarding categories, as disclosed above, maybe made to the compact EPG 2708.

Additionally or alternatively, the application panel 1812 may include aprogram preview pane 2308 that may include a program thumbnail graphic2008, an identifier, description, times, and other information that isassociated with the channel and/or the program. The program preview pane2308 may change to display new information as time passes or as a usernavigates through selected channels, programs, or rows in the compactEPG 2708. In some embodiments, the Intelligent TV 100 may select EPGcontent information to display via the program preview pane 2308. Thisselection may be based on stored rules. In some cases, the programpreview pane 2308 may be configured to display information associatedwith the first channel on the compact EPG 2708 list, as a default.

The compact EPG 2708 may be configured to present one or more programsfor each channel in a list format that is accompanied by an EPG timescale 2312. Similar to the EPG 2304 disclosed above, a program in thecompact EPG 2708 may include a text, graphic, and/or combination thereofidentifier. In some embodiments, the compact EPG 2708 may be configuredto display a specific number of lines, rows, programs, and/orinformation. The identifier may be used to identify the program to auser of the Intelligent TV 100. Although shown with a finite number ofrows displayed via the list of the compact EPG 2708, it is anticipatedthat other channels may be caused to display to the compact EPG 2708list given a user provided input. For instance, a user may scroll toanother line, or page, on the list, by using a remote control or otherinput device. As another example, a user may navigate through channelsin the compact EPG 2708 by providing a directional input (e.g., viaarrow keys, channel up/down buttons, etc.) from a remote control orother input device.

In some embodiments, the EPG time scale may include a current timeindicator. The current time indicator may be represented by a graphicthat is associated with the EPG time scale and that is capable of movingrelative to the EPG time scale 2312. FIG. 27 shows a small arrow, orcaret symbol, positioned between the 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM on the EPG timescale 2312. The position of the caret symbol along the scale in thepresent example indicates that the current time is approximately 8:40PM. Although shown as a caret symbol, it is anticipated that any graphicmay be used to provide an indication to a user. Moreover, while amoveable time indicator is disclosed above, it is anticipated that someembodiments may employ a fixed current time indicator while the EPG timescale 2312 itself moves relative to the fixed current time indicator.

FIG. 28A depicts a first embodiment of a reminder dialog presentation2800 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Areminder may be set for a program, show, channel, time, and combinationsthereof. The reminder may be associated with an initiation condition,including but not limited to, a timer, an input from an EPG, in responseto another condition, some other input, or combinations thereof.Continuing the example, when the initiation condition is satisfied forthe reminder, the reminder may display to the Intelligent TV 100. Insome cases, the reminder may be displayed within a specific timeframe ofa scheduled program or show. The reminder dialog presentation mayutilize one or more of the dialog presentations disclosed above.

The reminder dialog presentation 2800 includes a reminder header 2804and a reminder body comprising one or more reminder prompts 2808A-C. Thereminder header 2804 may include an identifier associated with a show,channel, series, content, reminder, program, time, etc. For example, thereminder header 2804 may display the title of a program that isavailable via the live TV application. The reminder body can includeprompts 2808A, 2808B, 2808C, along with one or more selectable inputs2828, such that a user may select an input that is associated with theprompts 2808A, 2808B, 2808C. As can be appreciated, a user may navigateamong these prompts 2808A, 2808B, 2808C, to select a correspondingaction that may be performed by the live TV application. In the presentexample, the reminder setting prompt 2808A is highlighted by default. Auser may move the position of the highlight via a remote control orother input device.

In some embodiments, the reminder dialog presentation 2800 may beinitiated in response to a user input. A user may desire to add areminder for a specific program, show, channel, etc. As such, a user mayutilize a “remind” input associated with a remote control or other inputdevice. In one example, a “remind” input may be provided via a hotkeyassociated with the remote control or other input device. For instance,a user may be viewing an EPG via the application panel 1812 of anIntelligent TV 100 and notice that an interesting program is scheduledto start in an hour. Desiring to be reminded of the program, the usermay select the program, activate the reminder input (e.g., via the“remind” hotkey, or other input) to initiate the reminder dialogpresentation 2800. Then, the user may select the first prompt 2808A toset a reminder for the program.

The second prompt 2808B allows a user to add the live TV content (e.g.,show, series, program, etc.) to a “Favorites” compilation, or group. Ina similar fashion, the third prompt 2808C listed on the reminder dialogpresentation 2800 may be configured to provide an option for a user toadd a selected channel to the “Favorites” compilation, or group. As canbe appreciated, the “Favorites” group may be arranged at least bychannel and content.

Referring to FIG. 28B a second embodiment of a reminder dialogpresentation 2800′ is depicted in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In the event that a reminder is previously set forlive TV content, a user may initiate the second reminder dialogpresentation 2800′ shown in FIG. 28B. Among other things, the user maymodify settings associated with the previously set reminder via thesecond reminder dialog presentation 2800′. The second reminder dialogpresentation 2800′ can be initiated in a similar manner as the reminderdialog presentation 2800. Additionally or alternatively, the secondreminder dialog presentation 2800′ may be initiated by a user selectinga previously set reminder, or a program that is associated with apreviously set reminder. Upon providing the selection input, the usermay view the second reminder dialog presentation 2800′.

The second reminder dialog presentation 2800′ includes a reminder header2804 and a reminder body comprising one or more reminder prompts2808A′-C′. As shown in FIG. 28B, the reminder prompts 2808A′-C′ havechanged from setting a reminder and adding a channel or content as afavorite to removing a reminder and channel or content from a“Favorites” group. In the event that a user wishes to remove thereminder from particular content, the user may initiate the secondreminder dialog presentation 2800′ (as disclosed above) and select the“remove reminder” prompt from the appropriate reminder prompt 2808A′.Although FIGS. 28A-B show exemplary reminder dialog presentations 2800,2800′, it should be appreciated that the presentation of user prompts2808A-C, 2808A′-C′ can vary in the number of prompts presented as wellas the order in which they are presented.

FIGS. 29A-D depict embodiments of reminder dialog notifications inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular,FIGS. 29A-D show various reminder dialogs that are presented to thedisplay of the Intelligent TV 100 upon receiving a reminder initiationinput. The reminder initiation input may be provided by one or more of,a user, the live TV application, other applications associated with theIntelligent TV 100, and/or one or more components of the Intelligent TV100. For instance, a reminder may have been set, or programmed, for aspecific program or show that is scheduled to play on live TV.

In some embodiments, a reminder may be set for a specific program. Thereminder may notify a user when the specific program is about to start,regardless of where the user is in the Intelligent TV 100 system (e.g.,on another channel, silo, etc.). In one embodiment, a reminder may beset and created for a specific instance of a complete series. Forexample, if a program is on every Friday night at 8:00 PM on channel 3,then setting a reminder for the program may create a reminder that isprovided every Friday at 7:58 PM. Additionally or alternatively, if aprogram is a single airing event (such as a movie or TV special), then areminder may only be provided for that singular instance. In someembodiments, if a user changes a channel from a reminder the

Reminders may be created for one or more parameters including, but notlimited to, program names at program times on a program channel. Thereminder may be stored in a memory and whenever a program is on thatmatches the one or more parameters the reminder may be set. The programlogic used to create and/or set reminders does not require considerationof the day of the week associated with the one or more parameters. Assuch, all of the logical configurations may be covered. For example,reminders may be set for weekdays only (e.g., a soap opera, talk show,etc.), every day (e.g., news), twice a week (e.g., variety shows,competition shows having a competition day and a voting results day,etc.), once a week (e.g., a situation comedy (sitcom), drama show,etc.), and even once only (e.g., movie, TV special, etc.). Thisconfiguration may cover scenarios where shows go off the air for sometime period between seasons.

In any event, a reminder may be associated with an initiation condition,including but not limited to, a timer, an input from an EPG, in responseto another condition, some other input, or combinations thereof.Continuing the example, when the initiation condition is satisfied forthe reminder, the reminder may display to the Intelligent TV 100 in theform of at least one of the reminder dialog presentations shown in FIGS.29A-D. In some cases, the reminder may be displayed within a specifictimeframe of a scheduled program or show. The notifications may bedisplayed to the active content area 1808 of the Intelligent TV 100.Additionally or alternatively, the notifications may be translucent, orsemi-transparent, to allow content from the active content area 1808 toshow through the notifications.

The reminder time bar 2912 may be similar in form and function to thetiming feature disclosed in reference to FIGS. 16A-E of the detaileddescription. Among other things, the reminder time bar 2912 may beconfigured to display an amount of time that is associated with thevisual presentation of the reminder dialog notification. In other words,the reminder time bar 2912, may indicate how long a reminder is expectedto be displayed before the reminder notification disappears. By way ofexample, the reminder time bar 2912 may be configured as a progress barthat increases in dimension (e.g., length, width, height, combinationsthereof, etc.) until the dimension reaches a specific size, at whichpoint the reminder notification disappears. In another embodiment, thereminder time bar 2912 may be arranged as a timed progress bar thatdecreases in dimension (e.g., length, width, height, combinationsthereof, etc.) until the progress bar disappears with the notification.The reminder time bar 2912 that decreases in size may be called areverse progress bar. In any event, at the end of a specific period oftime set, or upon reaching a time goal, for a reminder notification, thenotification may be configured to disappear.

A user may interact with a reminder dialog notification. For instance, areminder dialog notification 2904A-D may be configured with a userinterface button 2916. In some cases, the user interface button 2916 mayinclude a text or graphic that indicates an associated function with thebutton 2916. Additionally or alternatively, it is anticipated that auser may interact with a content identification bar 2908 and even apreview pane 2308. In one example, a user may select the contentidentification bar 2908 associated with a notification. In some cases,this selection may tune the Intelligent TV 100 to the signal sourceassociated with the bar 2908. Depending on one or more of the style ofreminder dialog notification 2904A-D, the content associated with thereminder, user preferences, and Intelligent TV 100 settings, any of thevarious reminder dialog notifications may be presented to a user via thedisplay of the Intelligent TV 100.

The live TV application may be configured to receive multiple remindernotifications at the same time. When multiple reminder notifications arereceived at the same time, the reminders may be queued. In someembodiments, requests to the user interface of the Intelligent TV 100are sent one at a time to display the notification to the user. If theuser chooses not to change the channel associated with the notification,the live TV application may proceed to process the next remindernotification in queue.

FIG. 29A depicts a first reminder dialog notification 2904A configuredwith a program preview pane 2308, a content identification bar 2908, areminder time bar 2912, and a user interface button 2916. The reminderdialog notification may be accompanied by one or more of a time andreminder title in the header of the notification 2904A. The contentidentification bar 2908 may include a channel number, identifier,graphic, description, and the like associated with live TV content. Thisconfiguration of reminder dialog notification allows for a great amountof information to be included in the reminder. As can be appreciated,the size of the first reminder dialog notification 2904A may occupy asubstantial portion of the viewing area of the active content area 1808.It should be appreciated, however, that the dialog notification may bejustified (bottom, left, right, top, middle, combinations thereof, etc.)to occupy a specific portion of the Intelligent TV 100 active contentarea 1808. In some embodiments, the first reminder dialog notification2904A may be presented only at a first time to a user, while subsequentreminders for the same content may utilize another dialog notificationas disclosed herein.

FIG. 29B depicts a compact reminder dialog notification 2904B configuredwith a content identification bar 2908, a reminder time bar 2912, and auser interface button 2916. Although shown with a combination offeatures, the compact reminder dialog notification 2904B may includemore or less features than shown. For example, an unobtrusive compactreminder dialog notification may only include the content identificationbar 2908 and possibly a reminder time bar 2912 to use a limited amountof space on the Intelligent TV 100 display, especially when compared tothe first reminder dialog notification 2904A. As such, the compactnotification 2904B may be displayed to the active content area 1808 ofthe Intelligent TV 100 to appear smaller than the first reminder dialognotification 2904A. This compact reminder dialog notification 2904B maybe useful in subsequent reminders or in reminders for content alreadyobserved/acknowledged by a user.

FIG. 29C depicts a multiple reminder dialog notification 2904Cconfigured with a first content identification bar 2908A, a secondcontent identification bar 2908B, a reminder time bar 2912, and a userinterface button 2916. Among other things, the multiple reminder dialognotification 2904C can alert a user of multiple reminders that werepreviously set. From the multiple reminder dialog notification 2904C, auser may navigate between the various interactive features. For example,a user may at least navigate between the first content identificationbar 2908A and the second content identification bar 2908B. Continuingthis example, a user may select the first content identification bar2908A associated with the multiple reminder dialog notification 2904C.In some cases, this selection may tune the Intelligent TV 100 to thesignal source associated with the bar 2908. Conversely, the user mayselect the second content identification bar 2908B associated with themultiple reminder dialog notification 2904C. In this case, thisselection may tune the Intelligent TV 100 to the signal sourceassociated with the second bar 2908B.

It is anticipated that the multiple reminder dialog notification 2904Cmay be used in instances where two or more reminders are set for live TVcontent. In one embodiment, the maximum number of displayed reminders,or content identification bars, may be limited to a specific number. Forinstance, even if thirty reminders are set for live TV content on theIntelligent TV 100, and all are about to initiate a reminder dialog,only two would be presented via the embodiment above. In anotherembodiment, however, the number of displayed reminders, or contentidentification bars may not be so limited. As such, the notification2904C may increase in size to fit the number of reminders set andconfigured to alert at the same time.

FIG. 29D depicts a scrollable multiple reminder dialog notification2904D configured with a first content identification bar 2908A, a secondcontent identification bar 2908B, a third content notification bar2908C, a dialog scroll bar 2920, a reminder time bar 2912, and a userinterface button 2916. Among other things, the scrollable multiplereminder dialog notification 2904C can alert a user of multiplereminders that have been previously set. From the multiple reminderdialog notification 2904C, a user may navigate between the variousinteractive features. For example, a user may at least navigate betweenthe first content identification bar 2908A, the second contentidentification bar 2908B, the third content identification bar 2908C,and more via the dialog scroll bar 2920. Similar to the previous dialognotifications 2904A-C, a user may select any one of the contentidentification bars 2908A-C, even those not presently visible withoutmovement of the dialog scroll bar 2920, that are associated with thescrollable multiple reminder dialog notification 2904D.

FIG. 30 depicts a grouped content panel presented via an applicationpanel 1812 of the Intelligent TV 100. In particular, FIG. 30 showscontent that has been marked as a favorite by a user or Intelligent TV100. In other words, the content grouped in the Favorites tab 1920D ispreferred over ungrouped content by at least one user. As shown, theselect-focus associated with the application panel navigation bar 1904is set to the Favorites tab 1920D. In some cases the selection of theFavorites tab 1920D may be indicated via a select-focus in the form of ahighlight, an underline, a specific font style, an action (e.g.,movement of the Favorites tab 1920D indicator, brightness adjustment,etc.), combinations thereof, and the like. This select-focus indicationmay be associated with the Favorites tab 1920D. The application panel1812 may also include a hotkey legend 1912 similar to other applicationpanels 1812 displayed via the Intelligent TV 100. As previouslydiscussed, the hotkeys provided in the hotkey legend 1912 may becustomized to facilitate shortcut navigation and/or special featuresassociated with the Intelligent TV 100 and/or the application panel1812. For instance, the hotkeys may be context sensitive to a particularapplication panel 1812 displayed. As shown in FIG. 30, the hotkey legend1912 may include Remind, Favorite, and other actions associated with oneor more hotkeys. The hotkeys may be associated, or mapped, to one ormore inputs of a remote control or other input device.

In some embodiments, the content in favorites may be displayed as an EPGlist. For example, an EPG list may display programs that are currentlyairing on channels marked as favorite. As such each row of the list maycorrespond to a favorite channel, and show current program that isairing on that channel at the moment the EPG list is displayed. In theevent that the EPG list is too large to display to the application panel1812, a scroll bar 3020 may be included to allow a user to adjust thevisibly displayed content.

In other embodiments, the content in favorites may comprise an EPG listthat identifies programs currently airing that have been identified aspreferred, or favorite. The view of the EPG list can be configured asdynamic and based on time. As time progresses, programs currently listedin the application panel 1812 that end may be removed from the EPG listautomatically. Additionally or alternatively, favorite programs thatbegin can be added to the EPG list automatically. In the event that theEPG list is too large to display to the application panel 1812, a scrollbar 3020 may be included to allow a user to adjust the visibly displayedcontent. In any case a user may select one of the items in the EPG listto close the live TV application and tune the Intelligent TV 100 to thesignal source associated with the selected item.

When the Favorites tab 1920D is selected, the application panel 1812 mayinclude content that has been determined as a favorite. Thisdetermination of whether content is a favorite may be made by a user.For example, a user may be watching content on the Intelligent TV 100and provide an input via the remote control or other input device toidentify the content as a favorite. In some cases, this input mayinclude marking a show as a favorite by toggling a favorite button oridentifier. In some embodiments, the determination of favorite contentmay be made via the Intelligent TV 100. Among other things, theIntelligent TV 100 may store viewing habits and behavior and markcontent as favorites based on the stored habits and behavior.Additionally or alternatively, the presentation of favorite contentshown in the application panel 1812 may be ordered via the IntelligentTV 100. The order may be associated with a rank that is determined fromstored viewing habits and behavior. For example, if a user watches aspecific show more often than others, the specific show may be orderedhigher in rank than the others. In the application panel 1812 a highrank may correspond to a high position in the list. Accordingly, thehighest ranked show may be placed at the top position on the listdisplayed to the application panel 1812.

Among other things, the application panel 1812 shown in FIG. 30 mayinclude a program preview pane 2308A-N, and a favorite identifier 3004,or toggle button for one or more live TV program, show, or content. Thefavorite identifier 3004 may indicate that a particular program isincluded in the favorites list. Additionally or alternatively, thefavorite identifier 3004 may be configured as a user-interactivefeature. For example, the favorite identifier 3004 may be used to removea program from the favorites list. Continuing the example, a user mayselect the favorite identifier 3004 via an input from a remote controlor other input device. Once selected, the user may be presented with anoption to remove the content from the favorite list. The user may thenselect the appropriate option to remove or keep the content on thefavorite list. The favorites list may be stored in a memory as disclosedherein, and may be accessed at least via the Favorites tab 1920D of theapplication panel navigation bar 1904. In some embodiments, contentidentified as favorites may be displayed in the application panel 1812without at least one of a thumbnail graphic, description, time, andother features.

FIGS. 31A-B depict preferred reminder dialog presentations 3100A-B inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar to otherreminders disclosed herein, a reminder may be set for preferred content.When a program is selected as preferred, or as a favorite, and theselected program is playing (or airing) on more than one channel at atime, then the preferred reminder dialog presentation 3100 may bedisplayed to the Intelligent TV 100.

Referring now to FIG. 31A, a first preferred reminder dialogpresentation 3100A is shown in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The presentation 3100A includes a first preferrednotification dialog 3104A, a program preview pane 2308, a favoriteidentifier 3004, a first episode selection bar 3108A, a second episodeselection bar 3108B, and a selectable input 2828. FIG. 31B shows acompact version of the dialog presentation 3100B without the programpreview pane 2308. In either presentation, a user may be presented withselecting from two episodes of the same program playing on differentchannels.

By way of example, a user may identify a program called “HomeInvolvement” as a favorite. Moreover, the user may have set a reminderfor favorite content. Occasionally, the program “Home Involvement” maybe playing on two channels at the exact same time. In this case, whenthe “Home Involvement” reminder appears, it may present the user with achoice of episode to select from via the first and second episodeselection bars 3108A, 3108B. The first and second selection bars 3108A,3108B may highlight differences between the two episodes, if any, via anidentifier or description associated with the selection bar. In somecases an episode name and/or number associated with each selection bar3108A, 3108B may differentiate the episodes. In other embodiments, aseason number and/or description may be included to assist a user inselecting an episode of the program. When a user makes a selectionbetween the first and second episodes the selection may tune theIntelligent TV 100 to the signal source associated with the selection.

As can be appreciated, if more than two episodes of the same program areplaying on different channels at the exact same time, the remindernotification may be altered to accommodate the additional episode(s).Additionally or alternatively, the Intelligent TV 100 may determine thatthere are no differences between the episodes and present a reminderdialog notification without providing the choice between the two. Inanother embodiment, the Intelligent TV 100 may determine that theepisodes are identical, but the channels airing the episodes are not. Inthis embodiment, the Intelligent TV 100 may use stored preferences, userbehavior, habits and the like to present or select an option for theuser. For example, a program may be airing in high definition (HD) onone of the channels, while the same program may be airing in standarddefinition (SD) on another channel. In this instance, the Intelligent TV100 may present the choice to the user, or select the preferred viewingquality (e.g., HD or SD) on behalf of the user.

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram depicting a reminder presentation method inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 3200begins at step 3204 and continues when input is received to initiate areminder presentation (step 3208). In some embodiments, the input may beprovided by one or more of, a user, the live TV application, otherapplications associated with the Intelligent TV 100, and/or one or morecomponents associated with the Intelligent TV 100. For instance, areminder may have been set, or programmed, for a specific program orshow that is scheduled to play on live TV. The reminder may beassociated with an initiation condition, including but not limited to, atimer, an input from an EPG, in response to another condition, someother input, or combinations thereof.

The method 3200 continues by selecting a reminder presentation based atleast partially on the initiation input (step 3212). Selection of thereminder presentation may include determining whether the presentationshould include a header, a body, one or more selectable prompts, a userinterface button, and/or combinations thereof. Additionally oralternatively, selection of the reminder presentation may includedetermining content and/or features contained within the presentation.For instance, a reminder presentation may include a title anddescriptive information coupled with selectable inputs and even atimeout feature. Among other things, the selectable option may allow auser to change channels to a program associated with the reminderpresentation.

As part of the reminder presentation, the method 3200 may continue bydetermining whether the reminder is time informative (step 3216).Various embodiments may utilize one or more time informative feature.For example, where a reminder is determined to be associated with ascheduled program, or time-specific event, the reminder may provide thetime until the program, or event, will begin. As another example, areminder notification may be configured to appear for a limited amountof time. In this case, the reminder notification may provide an amountof time associated with the reminder notification availability, in somerepresentation (e.g., visual, countdown, audible, etc.). In other words,the method 3200 may determine to provide a user with a visualrepresentation of time remaining before a reminder notificationdisappears from view. In some embodiments, the reminder presentation mayprovide a visual representation of a time associated with thenotification. As can be appreciated, a user may be provided with acountdown timer, a progress bar, combinations thereof, or other timefeature associated with the notification. Determining whether or not adialog is time informative may include referring to a memory havingstored preferences, or rules, associated with one or more of TV content,dialog boxes, time informative features, etc.

If the reminder presentation is determined to be time informative, themethod 3200 continues by including at least one time information featureas part of the reminder notification presentation (step 3220). In oneexample, a time feature may include a progress bar displayed as part ofthe notification. The progress bar may represent an amount of timeassociated with the visual presentation of the notification. Forinstance, a progress bar may show how long a reminder dialognotification has been presented to the display of an Intelligent TV 100.As such, the progress bar may include a time start point and a timeendpoint. In another example, a reverse progress bar may be configuredto countdown, and/or display a graphical change, representing a timeremaining for the presentation of the reminder notification. Theprogress bar, reverse progress bar, or other time feature, may relate tolive TV content or the presentation of a notification. The remindernotification may incorporate a default selection, or action, that may beautomatically selected in response to a passage of time. Among otherthings, providing a user with a visual representation of time associatedwith the notification can allow a user to make a selection other thanthe default selection associated with the notification. In someembodiments, the default action of the notification may cause thenotification to disappear from view.

The method 3200 continues by presenting the reminder notification viathe live TV application and the Intelligent TV 100 (step 3224).Presentation of the reminder may include, but is not limited to, adisplay justification point (e.g., left-justified, right-justified,center-justified, bottom-justified, top-justified, and combinationsthereof), a transparency level, a font type or style, an overall size, asize in relation to the display of the Intelligent TV, an animation, andmore.

When the reminder is presented to the display of the Intelligent TV 100,a timer may be initiated that defines the amount of time the reminderdialog notification will be presented (step 3228). As can beappreciated, the timer may be a “count-up” timer or a “countdown” timer.The live TV application may be configured to provide an action upon theexpiration of the dialog presentation timer. As previously state, oneaction may cause the reminder notification to disappear from the displayof the Intelligent TV 100.

Next, the method 3200 receives an input from a user, or the expirationof the timer, to remove the reminder notification presentation (step3232). A user input may correspond to a selection associated with thereminder notification presentation, a cancellation, a user-interfacebutton, or some other input associated with the Intelligent TV 100. Forexample, a user may select an option associated with the remindernotification presentation, in which case the reminder notificationpresentation may disappear. In some embodiments, a user may not enter aninput and an automatic selection, or action, may be made by theexpiration of the timer. In any event, when the timer has reached theend of its scheduled time the reminder notification presentation may beconfigured to disappear from display. In an alternative embodiment, thereminder notification presentation may be configured to fade out, moveto the application (or other) panel, minimize, or otherwise dismiss fromthe active content view area 1808 of the Intelligent TV 100. The methodends at step 3236.

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram depicting a preferred content reminderpresentation method 3300 in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The method 3300 begins at step 3304 and continues when theIntelligent TV 100 receives input to initiate a reminder presentation(step 3308). In some embodiments, the input may be provided by one ormore of, a user, the live TV application, other applications associatedwith the Intelligent TV 100, and/or one or more components associatedwith the Intelligent TV 100. For instance, a reminder may have been set,or programmed, for a specific program or show that is scheduled to playon live TV. The reminder may be associated with an initiation condition,including but not limited to, a timer, an input from an EPG, in responseto another condition, some other input, or combinations thereof.

Next, the method 3300 continues by determining whether the reminder isassociated with preferred, or favorite, content (step 3312). Aspreviously stated, a user may indicate specific content, such as one ormore programs, events, channels, signal sources, combinations thereof,and the like, as preferred over other available content. In someembodiments, a user may mark content as preferred by adding the contentto a preferred, or favorites, group. Content may be added to thefavorites group by a user input provided via a remote control or otherinput device. For example, a user may select (or highlight) a programand provide a “favorite” input via a button on a remote control.

In some embodiments, the Intelligent TV 100 may determine to add contentto a favorites list, or group. For instance, the Intelligent TV 100, viaone or more applications, may determine at least partially based onviewing habits and recorded data that a user frequently watches aparticular program or channel. Referring to rules and/or preferences,the Intelligent TV 100 may add the frequently watched program or channelto the favorites group. As disclosed herein, the favorites group, andits associated content, may be viewed in an application panel 1812 ofthe Intelligent TV 100. In some cases, the content comprising thefavorites group may be displayed in an EPG, a list, grouped lists,tiles, genres, and the like for viewing by one or more users of theIntelligent TV 100.

Determining that a reminder is associated with favorite content mayinclude the Intelligent TV 100 using at least one application (e.g., thelive TV application, etc.) to refer to stored favorite data in memory.In one example, the favorite data may be stored in a data table in thememory. Among other things, the data table may include a contentidentification field and a favorite data field that can map favoriteswith specific content. In one embodiment, available content including,but not limited to, programs, events, channels, signal sources, genres,groups, and the like, may include a data field relating to favoritemarking. For instance, a data structure associated with a program mayinclude at least one binary digit that identifies whether the program ispreferred (i.e., favorite) or not preferred. Continuing this example, a“preferred” bit of the program data structure may be marked with a “1”if the program is a favorite or a “0” if the program is not identifiedas a favorite. It is anticipated that this bit may be toggled via a userproviding a favorite input. In any event, the Intelligent TV 100 may atleast review the data structure and/or the data table associated withcontent to determine whether the reminder is associated with favoritecontent. By way of example, the Intelligent TV 100 may receive input toinitiate a reminder presentation with a specific program. TheIntelligent TV 100 can then refer to the data structure and/or the datatable that is associated with the specific program and determine whetherthe specific program includes at least one favorite-identifying bit. Inthe event that a favorite-identifying bit is found, the reminder wouldbe determined to be associated with favorite content.

The method 3300 continues by determining whether the reminder applies toduplicate favorite content (step 3316). Duplicate favorite content maycorrespond to content that is marked as favorite and is playing on atleast two different channels, or signal sources, at the same time. Inone embodiment, the signal sources may be differentiated by signalquality, signal definition, costs, and the like. As disclosed above,content may be associated with favorites. In some cases, content mayplay on at least two different channels at the same time. By way ofexample, a user, or Intelligent TV 100, may identify a program, such as“Home Involvement,” as a favorite. Continuing the example, a user mayinitiate a reminder for the program so that the user is alerted via areminder notification presentation when the program is next scheduled toplay via the live TV application. In this example, the program “HomeInvolvement” may be playing on two different channels at the same time,or within a threshold of time as disclosed below. As such, theIntelligent TV 100 may determine that program is a favorite playing ontwo different channels and provide the user with selectable optionsand/or default selections. The selectable options may include, but arenot limited to, allowing the user to select which episode of theprogram, quality of the program, or channel, to view.

In some embodiments, the determination of duplicate favorite content mayinclude comparing a scheduled time that is associated for each favoritecontent. As such, thresholds may be set for making a positive ornegative determination of duplicate favorite content. For instance,where a first program is playing on a first channel at a first time, anda duplicate program is playing on a second channel at a second time, athreshold may be set between the first and second time to make such aduplicate favorite content determination. In this example, a thresholdmay be set for 15 minutes, where any duplicate favorite content isdetermined for duplicate favorite content playing on at least twodifferent channels within the threshold (e.g., equal to or less than the15 minute threshold set).

If no duplicate favorite content is found, the method may continue bydisplaying a reminder presentation dialog (step 3336). The reminderpresentation dialog displayed to the Intelligent TV 100 may resemble anyone or more of the dialogs, notifications, reminder notifications, andother dialog presentations disclosed herein. Upon presenting thereminder presentation dialog, the method 3300 continues at step 3324.

In the event that duplicate favorite content is determined to apply tothe reminder, the method 3300 continues by presenting the duplicatecontent for user review and/or selection (step 3320). The display ofduplicate favorite content to an Intelligent TV may resemble the displayof a multiple reminder dialog notification as disclosed along with FIGS.29C-D. Among other things, the presentation may be displayed to anactive content area 1808 of an Intelligent TV 100. Additionally oralternatively, the presentation may include identification barsassociated with the duplicate content. For example, a first contentidentification bar may be associated with a first episode of a favoriteprogram, while a second content identification bar may be associatedwith a second episode of the favorite program. A user may make aselection from at least these two options via an input provided at aremote control or other input device.

The method may continue by determining whether any user input isreceived by the Intelligent TV 100 (step 3324). If no user input isreceived by the Intelligent TV 100, the method 3300 may continue bytiming out or making a default selection based at least partially onstored rules and/or preferences (step 3340). In one embodiment, thepresented reminder may disappear after a preset amount of time. Inanother embodiment, the Intelligent TV 100 may make a default selectionfrom at least one of the available selections provided by the reminderpresentation dialog. In any event, the method 3300 ends at step 3332.

In some embodiments, the method 3300 may determine that user input isreceived at step 3324, in which case the method 3300 may continue byperforming at least one function associated with the received input(step 3328). User input may include, but is not limited to, a selectioninput that can be configured to select from one or more options providedby the reminder presentation dialog, a cancellation input that may beconfigured to cause the reminder notification presentation dialog todisappear, an ignore input configured to delay a reminder for anothertime, navigational input configured to navigate to another signal sourceor selection, and more. Once the corresponding function is performed viathe Intelligent TV 100, the method 3300 ends at step 3332.

FIG. 34 is a flow diagram depicting an input-based user tracking method3400 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Themethod 3400 begins at step 3404 and continues by detecting a channel,input, or other signal source change (step 3408). In some embodiments, auser may change channels of the Intelligent TV 100 via a remote controlor other input device. The user inputs to change a signal source mayinclude, but are not limited to, active selections provided directly bya user, responses to one or more notifications, default selections basedon stored preferences and/or rules, and the like.

Upon detecting a change in the signal source of the Intelligent TV 100,the method 3400 continues by sending a notification to the live TVapplication of the Intelligent TV 100 (step 3412). The notification maybe sent by one or more managers associated with DTV, analog television(ATV), input, and other sources associated with the Intelligent TV 100.In some embodiments, the one or more managers may be configured toidentify a user input that changes a signal source of the Intelligent TV100. One example of this identification may be provided by the one ormore managers “listening” for a signal source change. In other words, alistener for the one or more managers may be configured to register witha source to listen for a particular event, which in this case may be achange of signal source provided by a user. The listeners may be setautomatically via the live TV application. Additionally oralternatively, the listeners disclosed herein may behave in a similarmanner to Java®-style program event listeners that may register to benotified of one or more events. As can be appreciated, the listenersdisclosed herein may be configured to listen for events associated withone or more event source objects.

The live TV application may collect the notifications received from theone or more managers and store data relating to the change notificationsin a memory (step 3416). Such data may include, but is not limited to,media consumption, channel viewing time, signal source tuning time,event viewing time, content viewing time, user identification, time ofnotification, content playing prior to change, new source content, andmore. In some embodiments, the data may be stored in a memory locationassociated with a particular user or group of users. Additionally oralternatively, the data may be stored according to signal source changetime. In one embodiment, the stored data may be associated with at leastone time stamp. The time stamp may be useful in comparing data stored atvarious times that relates to user signal source changes over time.

Next, the method 3400 continues by analyzing the stored data for userbehavior patterns (step 3420). Among other things, the live TVapplication may refer to the stored data to determine any commonalitiesbetween stored data at different times. In other words, the live TVapplication may review whether any commonalities exist between theuser's signal source changes that are made over time. For example, thestored data from a first time may reflect that a user changed signalsources at 9:01 PM on a Tuesday, and the stored data from a second timemay reflect that a user changed signal sources at 9:03 PM on thefollowing Tuesday. The live TV application may determine that thesesignal source changes having occurred within two minutes but a weekapart may correspond to a user behavior. In some embodiments, more datapoints may be obtained before a behavior is determined. As anotherexample, a user may watch a first program every morning for a givenperiod of time and then change signal sources to view another programfor another given period of time. This behavior may be analyzed and usedby the Intelligent TV 100 to configure prompts, reminders,notifications, and even anticipated signal source changes for a user. Inone example, the Intelligent TV 100 may automatically change a signalsource for a user based on the analyzed tracked behavior of the user.The Intelligent TV 100 may refer to rules in determining whether toautomatically change a signal source. Among other things, these rulesmay include, but are in no way limited to, identifying a user, referringto user preferences, referring to at least one EPG, referring to a clockor timer, and the like.

It is anticipated that the stored data may be sent across a network toat least one other device associated with the Intelligent TV 100 foruser behavior analysis. Additionally or alternatively, analyzed data maybe sent across a network to at least one other device for use intracking user behavior. For instance, the stored data or analyzed datamay be sent to a multiple-system operator (MSO) in tracking userbehavior. It is anticipated that based on the tracked user behavior, anMSO may alter its programming, offerings, presentation, or even interactwith a user. In one embodiment, an MSO may interact with a user byquerying why the user made the changes to the signal source or if thereis anything the MSO could do to make viewing content more enjoyable. Themethod 3400 ends at step 3424.

Referring to FIG. 35, a block diagram of the software and/or firmware ofthe Intelligent TV 100 is shown in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Among other things, embodiments of the presentdisclosure anticipate using the live TV application 3504 to presentviews 3516 and dialogs 3520 to a display of the Intelligent TV 100.Views 3516 may include the presentation of information via one or moreof a global panel 1804, an active content area 1808, an applicationpanel 1812, combinations thereof and the like. Examples of views 3516can include, but are not limited to, full screen EPGs, live TV headerbars, on-screen channel changer, smart surfing, etc. Dialogs 3520 mayinclude one or more of reminders, notifications, option dialogs, EPGpreview windows, EPGs, and other presented information as disclosedherein. In one embodiment, the dialogs 3520 may provide one or morefeatures to mark (e.g., add/remove favorite tagging for a channel and/orprogram, add/remove reminder tagging for a program, etc.) and selectcontent (e.g., episodes, channels, etc.). Dialogs are disclosed in moredetail above. Additionally or alternatively, the dialogs may besubstantially similar, or equivalent, to the dialog notificationsdisclosed above.

In some embodiments, the live TV application 3504 may be configured tocommunicate with a system UI application 3508. The system UI application3508 may provide a framework, upon which, one or more applications arebuilt and subsequently accessed via the live TV application. In oneembodiment, the system UI application 3508 may provide specificinterface rules used by the live TV application 3504 in the display ofcontent to the Intelligent TV 100. For instance, areas, regions, panels,windows, and other informational content may be set by the interfacerules and the system UI application 3508. In one example, the system UIapplication 3508 may automatically format one or more applications foruse, or display, by the live TV application 3504. Among other things,this formatting may include arranging a presentation of content thatmakes up the one or more applications.

The live TV application 3504 may communicate with the operating systemframework 3512 and one or more of its components. In some embodiments,the operating system framework may include an ATV manager 3524, a DTVmanager 3528, a source manager 3532, an EPG provider 3536, and athumbnail cache manager 3540 to name a few. One or more of the ATVmanager 3524, the DTV manager 3528, and the source manager 3532 may beconfigured to provide notifications, dialogs, and the like, that aredisclosed in conjunction with the first time setup method 1500 and thetracking method 3400 previously disclosed. In one embodiment, the EPGprovider 3536 may be substantially similar, or equivalent, to the EPGsubservice 624, database 636, and content providers 616 disclosed abovein conjunction with FIG. 6. Similarly, it is an aspect of the presentdisclosure that the thumbnail cache manager 3540 may be substantiallysimilar, or equivalent, to the thumbnail cache manager 660 previouslydescribed in conjunction with FIG. 6.

As provided herein, the live TV application 3504 may be configured tosupport a user experience for one or more of changing channels, viewingchannel information, viewing program information, setting up channelsets, and setting and/or clearing reminders and favorites. The live TVapplication 3504 may be displayed via the Intelligent TV 100 on top ofany live feed. For example, a user may utilize the live TV application3504 to change a currently displayed ATV and/or DTV channel that issupplied on a live feed. In another example, the live TV application3504 may be used to retrieve thumbnails from thumbnail cache manager3540. In yet another example, the live TV application 3504 may query theEPG provider 3536 for EPG listing data to be displayed via theIntelligent TV 100. As can be appreciated, the EPG listing may usethumbnails associated with live TV content that are retrieved via thelive TV application 3504. Additionally or alternatively, the live TVapplication 3504 may receive broadcast intents to request a change ofchannel.

FIG. 36 shows a flow diagram of a live TV presentation method 3600 inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 3600begins at step 3604 and proceeds by running a live TV application viathe Intelligent TV 100 (step 3608). While the live TV application isrunning (e.g., via a processor associated with the Intelligent TV 100),the Intelligent TV 100 may simultaneously present live TV broadcastcontent (step 3612). In one embodiment, the live TV application 3504 maybe configured to run on top of live TV content. For instance, theIntelligent TV 100 may be displaying live TV content via a display ofthe Intelligent TV 100. The live TV content may be displayed, orpresented, to a first portion of the Intelligent TV 100. In someembodiments, the first portion of the Intelligent TV 100 may beequivalent to an area of the display of the Intelligent TV 100 that isgreater than 50% of the total area of the display.

Next, the method 3600 continues by receiving an input that initiates afeature of the live TV application 3504 (step 3616). This live TVapplication input may be provided by at least one of, a user, an inputdevice, automatically in response to a condition, combinations thereofand the like. In some cases, the input may be provided via a useroperating the input device associated with the Intelligent TV 100. Atypical input device associated with the Intelligent TV 100 may includea remote control. The remote control may be a dedicated device, atablet, a smart phone, or other device configured to run a remotecontrol application that is capable of communicating with theIntelligent TV 100.

A live TV application feature may then be determined based at leastpartially on the received input (step 3620). In some embodiments, thelive TV application feature may be determined based on the input andrules stored in a memory associated with the Intelligent TV 100. Oncethe live TV application feature is determined, the feature may bepresented to the display of the Intelligent TV 100 (step 3624). In oneembodiment, the presentation of the live TV application feature mayinclude displaying, or presenting, the feature to a second portion ofthe display of the Intelligent TV 100. The second portion of the displaymay be configured to overlap at least a portion of the first portion ofthe display. Additionally or alternatively, the second portion mayinclude at least a partial transparency or translucency. This partialtransparency may allow content from the first portion to be visiblethrough the second portion. For example, while live TV content continuesto display to the Intelligent TV, the live TV application may runsimultaneously with the displayed live TV content. Among other things,the simultaneous playing of live TV content and live TV applicationfunctionality can allow a user access to interactive live TV applicationfunctions without interrupting live TV content displayed by theIntelligent TV 100. In some cases the live TV application feature andany associated content may include, but is not limited to, apresentation that is at least partially transparent, at least partiallyopaque, and combinations thereof. The method 3600 ends at step 3628.

The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have been describedin relation to televisions and associated devices. However, to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the precedingdescription omits a number of known structures and devices. Thisomission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scopes of theclaims. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding ofthe present disclosure. It should however be appreciated that thepresent disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond thespecific detail set forth herein.

Furthermore, while the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and/orconfigurations illustrated herein show the various components of thesystem collocated, certain components of the system can be locatedremotely, at distant portions of a distributed network, such as a LANand/or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. Thus, it should beappreciated, that the components of the system can be combined in to oneor more devices, such as a television, or collocated on a particularnode of a distributed network, such as an analog and/or digitaltelecommunications network, a packet-switch network, or acircuit-switched network. It will be appreciated from the precedingdescription, and for reasons of computational efficiency, that thecomponents of the system can be arranged at any location within adistributed network of components without affecting the operation of thesystem. For example, the various components can be located in a switchsuch as a PBX and media server, gateway, in one or more communicationsdevices, at one or more users' premises, or some combination thereof.Similarly, one or more functional portions of the system could bedistributed between a telecommunications device(s) and an associatedcomputing device.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links connectingthe elements can be wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof,or any other known or later developed element(s) that is capable ofsupplying and/or communicating data to and from the connected elements.These wired or wireless links can also be secure links and may becapable of communicating encrypted information. Transmission media usedas links, for example, can be any suitable carrier for electricalsignals, including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and maytake the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated duringradio-wave and infra-red data communications.

Also, while the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated inrelation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciatedthat changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occurwithout materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments,configuration, and aspects.

A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used.It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosurewithout providing others.

In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of this disclosurecan be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, aprogrammed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integratedcircuit element(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digitalsignal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such asdiscrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array suchas PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means,or the like. In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementingthe methodology illustrated herein can be used to implement the variousaspects of this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used for thedisclosed embodiments, configurations and aspects includes computers,handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet enabled, digital,analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Someof these devices include processors (e.g., a single or multiplemicroprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage, input devices, and outputdevices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including,but not limited to, distributed processing or component/objectdistributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machineprocessing can also be constructed to implement the methods describedherein.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be readilyimplemented in conjunction with software using object or object-orientedsoftware development environments that provide portable source code thatcan be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms.Alternatively, the disclosed system may be implemented partially orfully in hardware using standard logic circuits or VLSI design. Whethersoftware or hardware is used to implement the systems in accordance withthis disclosure is dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirementsof the system, the particular function, and the particular software orhardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems beingutilized.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be partiallyimplemented in software that can be stored on a storage medium, executedon programmed general-purpose computer with the cooperation of acontroller and memory, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, orthe like. In these instances, the systems and methods of this disclosurecan be implemented as program embedded on personal computer such as anapplet, JAVA® or CGI script, as a resource residing on a server orcomputer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurementsystem, system component, or the like. The system can also beimplemented by physically incorporating the system and/or method into asoftware and/or hardware system.

Although the present disclosure describes components and functionsimplemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations withreference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects,embodiments, and/or configurations are not limited to such standards andprotocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned hereinare in existence and are considered to be included in the presentdisclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein andother similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein areperiodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents havingessentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocolshaving the same functions are considered equivalents included in thepresent disclosure.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/orconfigurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/orapparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, includingvarious aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments,subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art willunderstand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments,and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. Thepresent disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/orconfigurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absenceof items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects,embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence ofsuch items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g.,for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost ofimplementation.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustrationand description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosureto the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing DetailedDescription for example, various features of the disclosure are groupedtogether in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations forthe purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects,embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined inalternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than thosediscussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claims require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a singleforegoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodimentof the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included description of one or moreaspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations andmodifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications arewithin the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill andknowledge of those in the art, after understanding the presentdisclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternativeaspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted,including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures,functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not suchalternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

1. A method, comprising: presenting, via a display of an intelligenttelevision (TV), TV content presented to a first portion of the display;receiving a reminder presentation input at the intelligent TV;selecting, via a processor associated with the intelligent TV and basedat least partially on the reminder presentation input received, a layoutof a reminder presentation dialog; and presenting the reminderpresentation dialog in the selected layout to a second portion of thedisplay, wherein the second portion of the display at least partiallyoverlaps the first portion, and wherein the reminder presentation dialogincludes information relative to a specific program.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the layout of the reminder presentation dialog includesat least one selectable option, wherein the at least one selectableoption is configured to accept a selection input from a user via aninput device associated with the intelligent TV.
 3. The method of claim2, wherein the at least one selectable option is associated with settinga reminder, wherein the reminder is based on at least one of the TVcontent presented and the reminder presentation input received.
 4. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the at least one selectable option isassociated with removing a reminder, wherein the reminder is based on atleast one of the TV content presented and the reminder presentationinput received.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least oneselectable option is associated with a live TV program available via theintelligent TV, and wherein the selection input provided by the user isconfigured to tune the intelligent TV to a signal source associated withthe live TV program.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the layout of thereminder presentation dialog includes a timing feature.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the timing feature is configured to display a timecorresponding to at least one of the live TV program airing and thepresentation of the reminder presentation dialog.
 8. The method of claim7, wherein the time displayed changes as time passes, and wherein thetiming feature is configured to reach a time goal.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the reminder presentation dialog is configured todisappear from the display upon reaching the time goal.
 10. The methodof claim 5, further comprising: detecting that a reminder is set for thelive TV program; determining, via the processor, that the live TVprogram is available via two or more signal sources associated with theintelligent TV; presenting a first selectable option for the live TVprogram available via a first signal source of the two or more signalsources; and presenting a second selectable option for the live TVprogram available via a second signal source of the two or more signalsources.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the live TV programavailable via the first signal source is a first episode of the live TVprogram, wherein the live TV program available via the second signalsource is a second episode of the live TV program, and wherein the firstepisode and the second episode include different at least one of contentand quality.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first selectableoption includes an identifier of the first episode, and wherein thesecond selectable option includes an identifier of the second episode.13. A tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium havinginstructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, performthe method comprising: presenting, via a display of an intelligenttelevision (TV), TV content presented to a first portion of the display;receiving a reminder presentation input at the intelligent TV;selecting, via a processor associated with the intelligent TV and basedat least partially on the reminder presentation input received, a layoutof a reminder presentation dialog; and presenting the reminderpresentation dialog in the selected layout to a second portion of thedisplay, wherein the second portion of the display at least partiallyoverlaps the first portion, and wherein the reminder presentation dialogincludes information relative to a specific program.
 14. The tangible,non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the layoutof the reminder presentation dialog includes at least one selectableoption, wherein the at least one selectable option is configured toaccept a selection input from a user via an input device associated withthe intelligent TV.
 15. The tangible, non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 14, wherein the at least one selectable option isassociated with a live TV program available via the intelligent TV, andwherein the selection input provided by the user is configured to tunethe intelligent TV to a signal source associated with the live TVprogram.
 16. The tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein the layout of the reminder presentation dialogincludes a timing feature, wherein the timing feature is configured todisplay a time corresponding to at least one of the live TV programairing and the presentation of the reminder presentation dialog, andwherein the time displayed changes as time passes, and wherein thetiming feature is configured to reach a time goal.
 17. The tangible,non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the methodfurther comprises: detecting that a reminder is set for the live TVprogram; determining, via the processor, that the live TV program isavailable via two or more signal sources associated with the intelligentTV; presenting a first selectable option for the live TV programavailable via a first signal source of the two or more signal sources;and presenting a second selectable option for the live TV programavailable via a second signal source of the two or more signal sources.18. The tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17,wherein the live TV program available via the first signal source is afirst episode of the live TV program, wherein the live TV programavailable via the second signal source is a second episode of the liveTV program, and wherein the first episode and the second episode includedifferent at least one of content and quality.
 19. The tangible,non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the firstselectable option includes an identifier of the first episode, andwherein the second selectable option includes an identifier of thesecond episode.
 20. A system, comprising: an intelligent television (TV)having a display and a tuner, wherein the tuner is configured to receiveand convert broadcast content signals to be displayed by the display; aninput device associated with the intelligent TV; a memory; and amicroprocessor operable to: present, via the display of the intelligentTV, TV content presented to a first portion of the display; receive areminder presentation input at the intelligent TV; select, based atleast partially on the reminder presentation input received, a layout ofa reminder presentation dialog; and present the reminder presentationdialog in the selected layout to a second portion of the display,wherein the second portion of the display at least partially overlapsthe first portion, and wherein the reminder presentation dialog includesinformation relative to a specific program.